Determine the geometry about each interior atom in each molecule and sketch the molecule. (Skeletal structure is indicated in parentheses.) c. H₂O₂ (HOOH)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the central atoms in the molecule H₂O₂ (HOOH). In this case, the central atoms are the two oxygen atoms.
2. Determine the number of electron groups around each oxygen atom. Each oxygen atom in H₂O₂ is bonded to one hydrogen and one other oxygen, and also has two lone pairs of electrons.
3. Apply the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the molecular geometry around each oxygen atom. With four electron groups (two bonding pairs and two lone pairs), the electron geometry is tetrahedral.
4. Considering the lone pairs, the molecular geometry around each oxygen atom in H₂O₂ is bent or V-shaped.
5. Sketch the molecule showing the bent geometry around each oxygen atom, with an O-O bond linking the two oxygen atoms and each oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom. The overall structure will appear as a 'skewed' H shape.

Key Concepts

Molecular Geometry

Molecular geometry refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within a molecule. It is determined by the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs of electrons around the central atom, which influences the shape of the molecule. Common geometries include linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, and bent, each defined by specific bond angles.

VSEPR Theory

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory is a model used to predict the geometry of molecules based on the repulsion between electron pairs in the valence shell of the central atom. According to VSEPR, electron pairs will arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, leading to specific molecular shapes. This theory is essential for understanding the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule like H2O2.

Skeletal Structure

A skeletal structure is a simplified representation of a molecule that shows the connectivity between atoms without depicting all the hydrogen atoms explicitly. In skeletal formulas, carbon atoms are often implied at the junctions and ends of lines, while other atoms are shown explicitly. This representation helps in visualizing the molecular structure and is particularly useful for complex molecules like hydrogen peroxide (HOOH).