Chapter 8.4, Problem 58PP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The molecular shape, bond angle, and hybrid orbital’s for ${\text{BeF}}_{\text{2}}$ molecule is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

When mixing of orbitals takes place, hybrid orbitals are formed having characteristics of all the orbitals involved in the mixing. Dissimilar atomic orbitals undergo hybridization during chemical bonding.

Answer to Problem 58PP

${\text{BeF}}_{\text{2}}$ molecule is bent shaped, bond angle is $110.9°$ and hybridization is $\text{sp}$.

Explanation of Solution

Structure for ${\text{BeF}}_{\text{2}}$ molecule is as follows:

Above figure shows that Be is central atom that is attached with two F atoms. ${\text{BeF}}_{\text{2}}$ has two bond pairs and no lone pair. Thus, geometry of ${\text{BeF}}_{\text{2}}$ molecule is linear. Bond angle is $180°$ and ${\text{BeF}}_{\text{2}}$ has $\text{sp}$ hybrid orbitals.

Conclusion

The shape of a molecule concludes its physical and chemical properties. The angle between three atoms with least two bonds is termed as bond angle.