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

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. c. OF2

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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 combining atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals that are suitable for the pairing of electrons to form chemical bonds. In the case of OF2 (oxygen difluoride), the central oxygen atom undergoes sp3 hybridization, resulting in four equivalent hybrid orbitals that can form sigma bonds with the fluorine atoms and accommodate lone pairs.
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Bonding and Molecular Geometry

The bonding in molecules involves the overlap of atomic orbitals to form covalent bonds. In OF2, the oxygen atom forms two single bonds with two fluorine atoms, leading to a bent molecular geometry due to the presence of two lone pairs on the oxygen. The VSEPR theory helps predict this geometry based on electron pair repulsion.
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Orbital Overlap

Orbital overlap refers to the interaction of atomic orbitals from different atoms to form bonds. In OF2, the overlapping of the sp3 hybrid orbitals of oxygen with the p orbitals of fluorine creates sigma bonds. This concept is crucial for visualizing the bonding scheme and understanding how molecular shapes are determined by the arrangement of these overlapping orbitals.
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