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Ch.11 - Chemical Bonding II: Molecular Shapes, VSEPR & MO Theory
Chapter 11, Problem 61a

Write a hybridization and bonding scheme for each molecule. Sketch the molecule, including overlapping orbitals, and label all bonds using the notation shown in Examples 11.6 and 11.7. a. CCl4

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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 process of mixing atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals that can accommodate the bonding requirements of a molecule. In the case of CCl4 (carbon tetrachloride), the carbon atom undergoes sp3 hybridization, resulting in four equivalent sp3 hybrid orbitals that arrange themselves in a tetrahedral geometry to minimize electron pair repulsion.
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Bonding and Overlapping Orbitals

Bonding in molecules occurs through the overlap of atomic orbitals, which allows for the sharing of electrons between atoms. In CCl4, each sp3 hybrid orbital of carbon overlaps with the p orbitals of chlorine atoms, forming four sigma (σ) bonds. This overlap is crucial for the stability and geometry of the molecule.
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Molecular Geometry

Molecular geometry refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within a molecule. For CCl4, the tetrahedral geometry arises from the sp3 hybridization of carbon, where the four chlorine atoms are positioned at the corners of a tetrahedron around the central carbon atom. This geometry is essential for understanding the molecule's physical and chemical properties.
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