Chemistry Flashcards: Carbon Atoms and Bonding

Study Notes

Carbon Atoms and Their Geometry

Carbon atom with a carbonyl group (C=O) is trigonal planar with bond angles of 120 degrees and uses sp² hybridization.
Carbon atom forming bonds with two hydrogens (H-C-H) exhibits tetrahedral geometry, bond angles of 109.5 degrees, and utilizes sp³ hybridization.
Carbon atom involved in a double bond (C=C) is linear with a bond angle of 180 degrees, utilizing sp hybridization.

Differences in Boiling Points of CF4 and SF4

Carbon tetrafluoride (CF4) has a boiling point of 145 K, while sulfur tetrafluoride (SF4) has a boiling point of 239 K.
SF4 has a seesaw molecular shape due to the presence of a lone pair on the sulfur atom, leading to a polar molecule.
CF4 is tetrahedral and nonpolar; its charge is symmetrically distributed with no lone pairs on the central atom.
The polar nature of SF4 results in stronger dipole-dipole interactions, whereas CF4 only has London dispersion forces, leading to SF4's higher boiling point.

Molecular Geometries and Intermolecular Forces

Ammonia (NH3) has a trigonal pyramidal structure with sp³ hybridization and exhibits hydrogen bonding.
Sulfur trioxide (SO3) is trigonal planar, uses sp² hybridization, and experiences London dispersion forces.
Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is linear with sp hybridization, characterized by dipole-dipole interactions.
Bromine trifluoride (BrF3) has a T-shaped geometry and also exhibits dipole-dipole interactions due to its polarity.

Description

This quiz features flashcards focused on the properties and molecular geometry of carbon atoms and their compounds. Explore the trigonal planar, tetrahedral, and linear shapes of carbon, as well as boiling point comparisons of carbon and sulfur compounds.