Question 37
In both water and dimethyl ether (CH3−..O..−CH3), oxygen atom is central atom, and has the same hybridisation, yet they have different bond angles. Which one has greater bond angle? Give reason.
Question 37
In both water and dimethyl ether (CH3−..O..−CH3), oxygen atom is central atom, and has the same hybridisation, yet they have different bond angles. Which one has greater bond angle? Give reason.
Dimethyl ether has a greater bond angle than that of water because there is more repulsion between bond pairs of CH groups attached in ether than between bond pairs of hydrogen atoms attached to oxygen in the water. However, in both the molecules central atom oxygen is sp3 hybridised with two lone pairs. In dimethyl ether, the bond angle is greater (111.7∘) due to the greater repulsive interaction between the two bulky alkyl (methyl) group than that between two H-atoms.
Actually, C of CH3 group is attached to three H-atoms through σ-bonds. These three C - H bond pair of electrons increase the electronic charge density on the carbon atom.
Dimethyl ether has a greater bond angle than that of water because there is more repulsion between bond pairs of CH groups attached in ether than between bond pairs of hydrogen atoms attached to oxygen in the water. However, in both the molecules central atom oxygen is sp3 hybridised with two lone pairs. In dimethyl ether, the bond angle is greater (111.7∘) due to the greater repulsive interaction between the two bulky alkyl (methyl) group than that between two H-atoms.
Actually, C of CH3 group is attached to three H-atoms through σ-bonds. These three C - H bond pair of electrons increase the electronic charge density on the carbon atom.
