Ch.10 - Chemical Bonding II: Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory

Problem 68

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Chapter 10, Problem 68

Consider the structure of the amino acid aspartic acid. Indicate the hybridization about each interior atom.

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Identify the interior atoms in the aspartic acid molecule. These typically include the carbon atoms in the backbone and any nitrogen or oxygen atoms directly bonded to them.

For each interior atom, determine the number of sigma bonds and lone pairs. This will help in identifying the hybridization state.

Recall the hybridization rules: an atom with 4 sigma bonds or lone pairs is sp^3 hybridized, 3 sigma bonds or lone pairs is sp^2 hybridized, and 2 sigma bonds or lone pairs is sp hybridized.

Apply these rules to each interior atom in aspartic acid. For example, the central carbon in the carboxyl group (COOH) typically has sp^2 hybridization due to its double bond with oxygen.

Repeat the process for each interior atom, considering the geometry and bonding to determine the hybridization state.

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Key Concepts

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

Hybridization

Hybridization is the concept in chemistry that describes the mixing of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals. These hybrid orbitals are used to explain the geometry of molecular bonding. For example, in carbon, the mixing of one s and three p orbitals results in four sp3 hybrid orbitals, which are arranged tetrahedrally.

Amino Acid Structure

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. Each amino acid has a central carbon atom (the alpha carbon) bonded to an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable R group (side chain). The structure of the amino acid influences its properties and interactions in biological systems.

Interior Atoms in Aspartic Acid

In aspartic acid, the interior atoms include the alpha carbon, the carboxyl carbon, and the nitrogen of the amino group. The hybridization of these atoms determines the geometry of the molecule. For instance, the alpha carbon is typically sp3 hybridized, while the carboxyl carbon is sp2 hybridized due to the presence of a double bond with oxygen.

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Related Practice

Write a hybridization and bonding scheme for each molecule that contains more than one interior atom. Indicate the hybridization about each interior atom. Sketch the structure, including overlapping orbitals, and label all bonds using the notation shown in Examples 10.6 and 10.7. a. N₂H₂ (skeletal structure HNNH) b. N₂H₄ (skeletal structure H₂NNH₂) c. CH₃NH₂ (skeletal structure H₃CNH₂)

Consider the structure of the amino acid alanine. Indicate the hybridization about each interior atom.

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Textbook Question

Sketch the bonding molecular orbital that results from the linear combination of two 1s orbitals. Indicate the region where interference occurs and state the kind of interference (constructive or destructive).

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Textbook Question

Draw an MO energy diagram and predict the bond order of Be₂⁺ and Be₂^- . Do you expect these molecules to exist in the gas phase?

Draw an MO energy diagram and predict the bond order of Li₂⁺ and Li₂^-. Do you expect these molecules to exist in the gas phase?

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