Question

The structure of ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_2$ is:

• A. Planar
• B. Non-Planar
• C. Spherical
• D. Linear

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Non-Planar

The explanation for the correct option

(B) Non-Planar

Structure of Hydrogen Peroxide $\left({\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_2\right)$:

• The simplest peroxide accessible is hydrogen peroxide (oxygen-oxygen single bond).
• It is found in colourless liquid form.
• It has bleaching properties and is also a disinfectant.
• Rocketry uses concentrated hydrogen peroxide as a propellant.
• With $\mathrm{O}-\mathrm{O}$ spins, ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_2$ has an open book structure.
• $111°$ is the dihedral angle.
• $\mathrm{O}-\mathrm{O}$ bonds have a length of $145.8pm$, whereas $\mathrm{O}-\mathrm{H}$ bonds have a length of $98.8pm\left(9.88\times {10}^{-13}m\right)$.
• Its structure is Non-Planar.

Figure: Structure of ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_2$

• This structure consists of two planes, each of which includes an $\mathrm{O}-\mathrm{H}$ bond pair.
• The angle between the two planes is $90.2°$.

The explanation for the incorrect options

(A) Planar

• A structure whose all atoms lie in the same plane is known as a Planar structure.
• In the case of Hydrogen Peroxide, the atoms of Hydrogen and Oxygen do not lie in the same plane, instead, they are inclined at a certain angle.

(C) Spherical

• Spherical structures have all the molecules at the same distance from the central atom.
• The atoms of Hydrogen Peroxide do not form a sphere, they are aligned in a plane.

(D) Linear

• In Linear structures, the arrangement of two additional atoms (or ligands) is connected to a core atom at a $180°$ bond angle.
• In Hydrogen Peroxide the atoms are at a certain angle from the central atoms.

Hence option (B) is correct.