Skip to main content
Ch.9 - Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories
Chapter 9, Problem 109b2

Azo dyes are organic dyes that are used for many applications, such as the coloring of fabrics. Many azo dyes are derivatives of the organic substance azobenzene, C12H10N2. A closely related substance is hydrazobenzene, C12H12N2. The Lewis structures of these two substances are
Lewis structure of hydrazobenzene showing carbon and nitrogen atoms.
(Recall the shorthand notation used for benzene.) (b) How many unhybridized atomic orbitals are there on the N and the C atoms in each of the substances? How many unhybridized atomic orbitals are there on the N and the C atoms in hydrazobenzene?

Verified Solution

Video duration:
3m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Lewis Structures

Lewis structures are diagrams that represent the bonding between atoms in a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons that may exist. They help visualize the arrangement of electrons and the connectivity of atoms, which is crucial for understanding molecular geometry and reactivity. In the context of azo dyes and hydrazobenzene, Lewis structures illustrate how atoms are bonded and the distribution of electrons, aiding in the analysis of hybridization and orbital characteristics.
Recommended video:
Guided course
04:28
Lewis Dot Structures: Ions

Hybridization

Hybridization is the concept of mixing atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals that can accommodate the bonding requirements of atoms in a molecule. For example, carbon atoms in organic compounds often undergo sp3, sp2, or sp hybridization, depending on their bonding environment. Understanding hybridization is essential for determining the geometry of molecules and the number of unhybridized orbitals, which is a key aspect of the question regarding the nitrogen and carbon atoms in hydrazobenzene.
Recommended video:
Guided course
00:51
Hybridization

Unhybridized Atomic Orbitals

Unhybridized atomic orbitals are the orbitals that remain in their original state after hybridization has occurred. These orbitals are important for understanding the bonding and lone pairs in a molecule. In the case of hydrazobenzene, identifying the number of unhybridized orbitals on the nitrogen and carbon atoms is crucial for predicting the molecule's reactivity and interaction with other substances, particularly in the context of azo dye applications.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:51
Atomic Orbitals Example