In what way (s) is (are) the structure of water similar to that of CHCl3? In what way is the structure of water different from that of CHCl3?

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Chemistry

Pitts

17 January, 14:38

In what way (s) is (are) the structure of water similar to that of CHCl3? In what way is the structure of water different from that of CHCl3?

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Answers (1)

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Hillary Hoffman · Answer 1

See explanation below

Explanation:

In both cases the central atoms, C in CHCl₃ and O in H₂O, are sp³ hybridized.

Since they are sp³ hybridized we predict an angle between the H-C-Cl and H-O-H of 109.5 º (tetrahedral), but two of the sp³ orbitals in water are occupied by lone pairs.

These lone pairs do excercise more repulsion (need more room) than the bonds oxygen is making with hydrogen.

As a consequence of this repulsion the angles H-O-H are less than the predicted 109.5º in tetrahedra. (Actually is 104.5 º)