Use valence bond theory to write a hybridization and bonding scheme for ethene, H2C=CH2.

Question

Use valence bond theory to write a hybridization and bonding scheme for ethene, H[latex]_{2}C=CH_{2}[/latex].

Accepted Answer

1. Write the Lewis structure for the molecule.
2. Use VSEPR theory to predict the electron geometry about the central atom (or interior atoms).	The molecule has two interior atoms. Since each atom has three electron groups (one double bond and two single bonds), the electron geometry about each atom is trigonal planar.
3. Refer to Table 10.3 and select the correct hybridization for the central atom (or interior atoms) based on the elec-tron geometry.	A trigonal planar geometry corresponds to sp[latex]^{2}[/latex] hybridization.
4. Sketch the molecule, beginning with the central atom and its orbitals. Show overlap with the appropriate orbitals on the terminal atoms.
5. Label all bonds using theσand π notation followed by the type of overlapping orbitals.

TABLE 10.3 Hybridization Scheme from Electron Geometry
Number of Electron Groups	Electron Geometry (from VSEPR Theory)	Hybridization Scheme
2	Linear	SP
3	Trigonal planar	SP[latex]^{2}[/latex]
4	Tetrahedral	SP[latex]^{3}[/latex]
5	Trigonal bipyramidal	SP[latex]^{3}[/latex]d
6	Octahedral	SP[latex]^{3}d^{2}[/latex]

Question 10.8: Use valence bond theory to write a hybridization and bonding...