Chemistry 121 Molecular Models

J Chen

MOLECULAR MODELS The function and behavior of a molecule is determined largely by its structure and shape. Chemists often will construct models of molecules in order to gain a three-dimensional perspective of molecular structure and shape that cannot happen by drawing structures on paper. Molecular structure is governed by the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (or "VSEPR") theory. This theory is based on the idea that since bonds contain electrons and electrons repel each other, then the bonds making up a molecule (as well as the nonbonding valence electrons) will position themselves AS FAR AWAY FROM EACH OTHER AS POSSIBLE. The shape of the molecule will be determined once the positions of the bonds and nonbonding electrons are set. The shape of the molecule will be determined once the positions of the bonds and the nonbonding electrons are set. IMPORTANT NOTES BEFORE STARTING THE EXPERIMENT: I. Before starting the experiment you should review the rules for drawing Lewis structures. For each molecule in this experiment you will need to draw a correct Lewis structure before you construct the corresponding molecular model. 2. In this experiment you will construct about 14 molecules. The identity of these molecules, as well as the arrangement of atoms in these molecules (without bonds), will be provided to you one at a time during the lab period. 3. The data table that you will construct in your notebook prior to beginning the experiment will contain 5 columns, in the following order from left to right: a) Molecular Formula b) Total number of valence electrons c) Lewis structure d) 3~D structure including bond angles and geometry for each central atom e) Polarity Each row should be about 2 inches tall, and will correspond to each of the 14 molecules to be analyzed. Columns c and d should be about 2 inches wide. The remaining columns can be about 1 inch wide. The important thing is for you to have enough room to do an accurate and readable drawing, so if you need your rows to be 6 inches tall, thats ok! Some people need more room to be neat.

PROCEDURE: Obtain a model kit, and note the ID number for the kit on your worksheet. Please be sure to return all pieces to the kit and arrange them neatly before returning it. For each molecule to be constructed, perform the following, completing each step before proceeding to the next: 1) Calculate the total number of valence electrons in the molecule. 2) Draw the Lewis structure for the molecule. Electrons in bonds can be shown as lines, while nonbonding electrons must be shown as pairs of dots. Make sure that all of the valence electrons are shown in your drawing. Count them and compare. 3) Construct a model of the molecule, matching your model to the Lewis Structure. Arrange the balls, sticks, and springs, and when you are satisfied that the model is correct: 4) Draw a three-dimensional structure of the model you have built. Practice drawing some tetrahedral shapes before you come to lab to make sure you can do a good job on your drawings. 5) Determine what the bond angles are for each central atom. There may be one, two, or three central atoms. Note the angles on your drawing. 6) Determine the molecular geometry (not the electron pair geometry) for each central atom. Note the correctly spelled geometry names on your drawing. 7) Determine if the molecule is polar. In column e) note polar or nonpolar 8) If the molecule is polar, draw a dipole arrow, correctly oriented, on your 3D drawing. In constructing your models, use the following guidelines: 1. Each ball represents an atom, while each stick or spring represents a bond. Use a stick for a single bond, and springs for double and triple bonds. 2. Use the black balls for carbon atoms, making sure that all 4 holes get filled with a stick or spring. 3. Use the black balls for nitrogen atoms, making sure that only 3 holes get filled with a stick or a spring. 4. Use the red balls for oxygen atoms, making sure both holes get filled with a stick or a spring. 5. Use the yellow balls for hydrogen atoms. There is only one hole. 6. Use the green balls for halogen atoms. Again, there is only one hole. 7. Hydrogen and halogen atoms should be positioned towards the exterior of the molecule. 8. Carbon atoms should be positioned towards the interior of the molecule. Carbon atoms will always be central atoms for this set of molecules. 9. If a molecule calls for a lot of one type of atom and just a few of another atom, the atoms with the higher numbers should be positioned towards the exterior of the molecule, while the atoms with fewer numbers should be positioned towards the interior of the molecule.

Completing the Lab Report: 1. Your work will be graded based on accuracy, completeness, and NEATNESS. If your table has things crossed out, redrawn, and is generally messy, it is a good idea to complete a final version of your work for grading. 2. On a separate page, create a table which lists the 14 compounds, the common name of the chemical, and some facts about the material. The table should have four columns: Number of the molecule (1 -14), the formula, the common name, and the facts about the compound. Include at least three facts, which can include uses, properties, or other points of interest. An example of the table configuration follows: Molecular Formula Total number of valence electrons Lewis Structure 3-D Structure with angles and geometry names Polarity