Chem Lab, Introduction To Molecules
CHEMISTRY
Introduction to Molecules: A Molecular Bonding and Shapes Investigation
Investigation Manual
..................................................................... .....................................
......................... ...................................... ....................................
................................
2 Carolina Distance Learning
INTRODUCTION TO MOLECULES
Table of Contents
2 Overview 2 Objectives 2 Time Requirements 3 Background 5 Materials 5 Safety 5 Preparation 6 Activity 1 8 Activity 2 9 Activity 3 11 Activity 4 14 Activity 5 21 Disposal and Cleanup 22 Data Tables
Overview Learn about bonding and molecular geometry using molecular models. This investigation includes classifying bonds, drawing Lewis structures, predicting molecular geometry, constructing three-dimensional models, and determining polarity. Resonance structures and isomers will also be identified as needed. The activities will require approximately 2 hours to complete.
Objectives • Use electronegativity difference to classify bonds as ionic, polar
covalent, or nonpolar covalent. • Apply valence bond theory to draw appropriate Lewis structures. • Apply valence shell electron pair repulsion theory (VSEPR) to
predict molecular geometry. • Construct three-dimensional molecular models. • Sketch three-dimensional line structures using dashed lines and
wedges. • Determine whether the polarity of a molecule results in a dipole
moment. • Identify resonance structures and isomers as needed.
Time Requirements Preparation 10 minutes Activity 1: Lewis Dot Structures 30 minutes Activity 2: Electron Domain Geometries 30 minutes Activity 3: Molecular Geometry 30 minutes Activity 4: Bonding and Polarity 20 minutes Activity 5: Modeling Hydrocarbons 40 minutes
Key Personal protective equipment (PPE)
goggles gloves apron follow link to video
photograph results and
submit
stopwatch required
warning corrosion flammable toxic environment health hazardMade ADA compliant by NetCentric Technologies using the CommonLook® software
www.carolina.com/distancelearning 3
continued on next page
Background Few elements exist in nature as single atoms. Other than the noble gases, the atoms in most elements are bonded to other atoms. This is because atoms are more stable if their outer
energy level is full. Electrons in the outer energy level are called valance electrons. The halogens (Group 17 in Figure 1) have seven valance elec- trons in their outer energy level.
Figure 1.
Each element in group 18 has a full outer energy level. For most elements, a full outer energy level has eight electrons, or an octet. Helium and hydrogen are exceptions in that they only require two valence electrons.
Background continued
INTRODUCTION TO MOLECULES
4 Carolina Distance Learning
Atoms can fill their outer energy level by trans- ferring or sharing electrons to form either ionic or covalent compounds (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Ionic bond (electron is transferred to Y, giving it an octet)
Covalent bond (two electrons are shared, giving both atoms a filled outer shell)
The tendency for atoms to bond ionically or covalently is determined by the difference in their electronegativity. Electronegativity is a dimen- sionless number that is a measure of an atom’s ability to attract bonding valence electrons. Elec- tronegativity values show periodic trends on the periodic table, as shown in Figure 3.
Excluding the noble gases, the most electro- negative element is fluorine, which is assigned a value of 4.0. All the other elements have calcu- lated values based on that of fluorine. Across each period the electronegativity tends to increase, with the nonmetal families of nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine having the highest values. This is because these atoms have smaller radii within which the positive nuclei exert a greater attraction for the valence electrons. The alkali metals and alkaline earth metals (the groups on the left side of the periodic table) have the lowest electronegativity because their atoms have the largest radii, within which the posi- tive nuclei exert a smaller attraction for valence electrons. Cesium and francium, with the largest radii, have the lowest electronegativity value of 0.7.
Figure 3.
www.carolina.com/distancelearning 5
Materials Included in the materials kit:
25 balloons
Needed from the modeling kit:
Molecular model set
Needed from the equipment kit:
Ruler
Needed, but not supplied: • Calculator • Digital camera or smart phone • Pencil
Safety Read all instructions for this laboratory activity before beginning. Follow the instructions closely and observe established laboratory safety prac- tices, including use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as described in the Safety and Procedure section.
Model pieces can be a choking hazard. Keep these and all laboratory materials away from children.
Latex balloons are included in this kit and can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Individuals sensitive to latex should not partici- pate in any activities that may result in exposure.
Preparation 1. Read the Student Guide. 2. Obtain all materials. 3. Separate model pieces into tray
compartments based on shape, color, and number of prongs.
Activities 1, 3, and 4 are interrelated. The compounds used in Activity 1 are also used in Activities 3 and 4. Data in Data Table 1 will be used for these activities.
Reorder Information: A replacement kit for Introduction to Molecules, item number 580306, can be ordered from Carolina Biological Supply Company.
Call 800-334-5551 to order.
6 Carolina Distance Learning
continued on next page
ACTIVITY
ACTIVITY 1
A Lewis Dot Structures A Lewis dot structure is one way to represent the arrangement of valence electrons in a molecule. In Lewis structures, each element symbol is surrounded by a specific number of dots representing valence electrons. Most atoms obey the octet rule*, which states that atoms tend to combine in such a way that they each have eight electrons in their valence shells, giving them the same electronic configuration as a noble gas.
*Exceptions: Hydrogen and helium need only two valence electrons to fill their outer shell. Boron and beryllium form compounds with less than eight electrons and elements in periods 3 –6 may use more than eight.
To fill their outer shells, elements form covalent bonds by sharing electrons. Lewis structures are often used to show those bonds. Covalent compounds may have single, double, or triple bonds between atoms. These bonds are repre- sented in a Lewis structure by dashes between the chemical symbols of the bonded elements. The number of dashes corresponds to the number of bonds. Lewis structures also indicate the lone pairs of electrons on different atoms. Guidelines for drawing a Lewis structure for a given chemical formula are in the table below. Molecules to be used in Activities 1, 3, and 4 are found on page 22.
Use the Guidelines for Drawing Lewis Structures to complete the Data Table for Activity 1.
Guidelines for Drawing Lewis Structures Example SiO2
1. Determine the number of valence electrons present for each atom in the compound (consult Figure 1 in the background section as needed).
Silicon (Si): 4 valence electrons Oxygen (O): 6 valence electrons Oxygen (O): 6 valence electrons
2. Find the sum of valance electrons of all the atoms. If there is a charge on a compound, add an electron for each negative charge and subtract an electron for each positive charge.
Silicon (Si): 4 valence electrons Oxygen (O): 6 valence electrons Oxygen (O): 6 valence electrons
16 total electrons
3. Determine which atom is to be the central atom. This is typically the least electronegative element (that is not hydrogen) and/or the first element in the chemical formula. Some compounds will have no central atom, but the first element in the formula is a good place to start.
4. Write the chemical symbol of the central atom, followed by the chemical symbols for other atoms around it.
www.carolina.com/distancelearning 7
Example SiO2
5. Use dots to show the appropriate number of valence electrons around each symbol in the compound, based on their position in the periodic table.
6. Determine the total number of electrons required for each element. Allow for exceptions to the octet rule as needed.
Silicon (Si) needs 8 valence electrons Oxygen (O) needs 8 valence electrons Oxygen (O) needs 8 valence electrons
7. Create a skeleton structure by connecting unpaired electrons from the central atom to unpaired electrons on the atoms around it with a solid line. Each solid line now represents a (two-electron) covalent bond between the two atoms.
8. Redraw the structure as needed. If multiple bonds exist between two atoms, reorient the chemical symbols so that multiple bonds are with each other.
9. Sometimes there will be more than one way to add the bonds. To determine which Lewis structure is the best model, formal charge is often used. To determine the formal charge of atoms:
a. Count the number of valence electrons that each atom typically has when unbound.
b. In the Lewis structure being evaluated, count the number of assigned electrons for an atom by counting the number of electrons that exist around that atom as lone pairs and then counting the number of covalent bonds on that atom. Add the number of lone pair electrons and the number of bonds together.
c. Subtract the number of assigned electrons from the number of valance electrons. The resulting value is the formal charge for the atom in that Lewis struc- ture.
unbound electrons 6 4 6 assigned electrons -6 -4 -6 formal charge 0 0 0
unbound electrons 6 4 6 assigned electrons -7 -4 -5 formal charge -1 0 +1
10. Lewis structures should show negative charges on the most electronegative elements and positive charges on the least electronegative elements. is the preferred structure of Si02
Guidelines for Drawing Lewis Structures
ACTIVITY
8 Carolina Distance Learning
ACTIVITY 2
A Electron Domain Geometries The three-dimensional shape of a molecule is predicted using the valence-shell electron-pair repulsion (VSEPR) model. The VSEPR model is used to predict structures of molecules or ions that contain only nonmetals by minimizing the electrostatic repulsion between the regions of high electron density. In this activity, balloons will model electron domains. An electron domain is either a bond or a lone pair of electrons. Double and triple bonds count as only one domain when using the VSEPR model. When tied together, balloons naturally adopt the lowest energy arrangement predicted by the VSEPR model.
Linear Geometry – Two Electron Domains 1. Inflate a balloon and tie the open end in a
knot. 2. Repeat to prepare a second balloon of
approximately the same size. 3. Tie the two balloons together in a knot. 4. Label the model and photograph it for
future reference.
Trigonal Planar Geometry – Three Electron Domains 1. Inflate and tie three balloons. 2. Tie the three balloons together. Start by tying
two balloons together and then use the free ends to knot around the third.
3. Label the model and photograph for future reference.
Tetrahedral Geometry – Four Electron Domains 1. Inflate and tie four balloons. 2. Tie the balloons together to form two sets of
two balloons. 3. Twist the two sets of two balloons together by
crossing the knotted centers. 4. Label the model and photograph it for
future reference.
Trigonal Bipyramidal Geometry – Five Electron Domains 1. Inflate and tie five balloons. 2. Tie four balloons together to form two sets of
two balloons. 3. Tie a third balloon to one of the sets. 4. Twist the set of three balloons and the set
of two balloons together by crossing the knotted centers.
5. Label the model and photograph it for future reference.
Octahedral Geometry – Six Electron Domains 1. Inflate and tie six balloons. 2. Tie the balloons together to form three sets of
two balloons. 3. Twist two sets of two balloons together by
crossing the knotted centers. Twist a third set of two balloons into the other two by crossing the knotted centers.
4. Label the model and photograph it for future reference.
www.carolina.com/distancelearning 9
continued on next page
ACTIVITY 3
A Molecular Geometry 1. Construct a three-dimensional model of each
molecule from Activity 1 using the following molecular model pieces to represent atoms. a. White one-pronged: Hydrogen b. Light green
one-pronged: All other atoms c. Dark brown
three-pronged: Atoms with only three electron pairs and/or bonds
d. Black, four-pronged: Carbon e. Blue, four-pronged: Nitrogen f. Red, four-pronged: Oxygen g. Purple five-pronged (and/or bonds):
Atoms with five electron pairs h. Silver six-pronged: Atoms with six electron
pairs and/or bonds Use white tubes to connect the pronged pieces and represent covalent bonds between atoms in each molecule.
As needed, connect the white, flat pieces for electron pairs on the central atom.
ACTIVITY
10 Carolina Distance Learning
ACTIVITY 3 continued 2. Use the white tubes to form bonds between
the atoms. Each tube represents one bond (two electrons). For a double bond, use two tubes and two prongs on each atom.
3. Label each model and photograph it for future reference.
4. Sketch a perspective drawing of each compound. If necessary, use wedges and dashes to show the three-dimensional appearance using the table below.
5. Build models for all the compounds in Activity 1.
www.carolina.com/distancelearning 11 continued on next page
ACTIVITY 4
A Bonding and Polarity Chemical bonds are shared electrons between two atoms. If the atoms are different, the attraction for these shared electrons will also be different. Chemical bonds are classified as covalent or ionic. Electrons are equally shared in nonpolar covalent bonds, unequally shared in polar covalent bonds, and fully transferred to the more electronegative atom in ionic bonds.
To determine the type of bond between two atoms, first calculate the difference between their electronegativity values. Only the absolute difference is important.
Nonpolar Covalent: If the difference in elec- tronegativity is < 0.3, the electrons are equally shared between the two atoms and the bond is a nonpolar covalent bond. Some examples of molecules with nonpolar covalent bonds are Cl2, H2, CH4, and CS2.
Polar Covalent: When the difference in elec- tronegativity is between 0.4 and 1.7, there is an unequal sharing of the electrons between the two atoms. Although all electrons are constantly moving within the bonding orbital, in polar cova- lent bonds the electrons are more attracted to the atom with higher electronegativity and will spend more time closer to that atom. This unequal sharing creates poles of charges, thus these bonds are termed polar covalent bonds. Some examples of polar covalent molecules are NH3 and H2O.
Ionic: This type of bond occurs when there is complete transfer of the electrons between the two atoms. This occurs when the difference in electronegativity is >1.8. NaCl and MgCl2 are typical examples.
Bond Polarity The term polar refers to the poles of partial charge. In a polar covalent bond, electrons are more attracted to the atom with greater
Figure 4.
Sample Bond Type Calculations
Bonding Pair Electronegativity Difference Type of Bond Li and F | 1.0 – 4.0 | = 3.0 Ionic F and F | 4.0 – 4.0 | = 0 Nonpolar covalent C and F | 2.5 – 4.0 | = 1.5 Polar covalent
ACTIVITY
12 Carolina Distance Learning
ACTIVITY 4 continued
continued on next page
electronegativity. This difference results in a partial negative charge on the more electro- negative atom, and a partial positive charge on the less electronegative atom. Consider the compound hydrochloric acid, HCl. The elec- tronegativity difference is 0.9 (|3.0 – 2.1| = 0.9). Chlorine is more electronegative than hydrogen and therefore pulls the bonding pair closer, giving the hydrogen a partial positive charge (delta plus, δ+) and the chlorine a partial negative charge (delta minus, δ–), as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Unequal sharing of electrons can also be repre- sented by a vector indicating bond polarity. To show bond polarity, draw a vector from the posi- tively charged atom and the negatively charged atom. Create a plus sign using a vertical line near the less electronegative atom. The vector arrow points toward the more electronegative atom, as in Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Molecular Polarity Molecular polarity is similar to bond polarity. A polar molecule has regions of partial positive and negative charge and will orient itself in an electric field. This orientation in an electric field, called a dipole moment, is caused when charges are distributed asymmetrically within the mole- cule. The molecular dipole moment is shown
as a vector to one side of the molecule. Once again, the vector arrow points toward the more electronegative atom, as in Figure 7.
Figure 7.
Molecules that demonstrate a dipole moment are characterized as polar. Molecules of hydro- chloric acid are polar because the bond polarity is unbalanced.
Not all molecules containing polar covalent bonds are polar. If bond polarity is balanced, the partial positive and partial negative charges are distributed symmetrically. If the positive and negative charges are distributed symmetrically, the molecule does not orient itself in an elec- tric field and does not demonstrate a dipole moment. Molecules that do not demonstrate a dipole moment are characterized as nonpolar.
Magnesium chloride (Cl – Mg – Cl) is an example of a nonpolar molecule that contains polar covalent bonds. Each Mg – Cl bond is polar covalent with an electronegativity difference of 0.8 (|1.2 – 3.0| = 0.8). However, the linear molec- ular geometry of magnesium chloride results in symmetrical bonds and a nonpolar molecule. Magnesium chloride does not have a dipole moment because the opposing bond polarities cancel each other out (see Figure 8).
Figure 8.
It is also possible to arrange polar covalent bonds symmetrically in three-dimensional
www.carolina.com/distancelearning 13
space, as in carbon tetrachloride. Once again, each C – Cl bond is a polar covalent bond; the electronegativity difference is 0.5 (|2.5 – 3.0| = 0.5). The molecular geometry of carbon tetra- chloride (tetrahedral) results in three-dimensional symmetry and a nonpolar molecule. Carbon tetrachloride does not have a dipole moment because the opposing bond polarities cancel each other out (see Figure 9).
Polar molecules are always asymmetric; this can assist in identifying a molecule as polar. Polar molecules are the result of unbalanced bond polarity and therefore all polar molecules are asymmetrical in some way. If one chlorine atom in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is replaced with a hydrogen atom, the molecule becomes chlo- roform (CHCl3). The tetrahedral molecule is no longer symmetric; it is now both asymmetric and polar. This molecule has a region of partial posi- tive charge near the hydrogen atom and a region of partial negative charge near the chlorine atoms. This configuration results in a molecular dipole moment shown by the large vector on the far right (see Figure 10).
Figure 9. Figure 10.
The presence of lone pairs of electrons can also contribute to the polarity of a molecule. When lone pairs are present, they are regions of partial negative charge. However, not all molecules containing lone pairs are polar. The combination of molecular geometry and multiple lone pairs may result in a symmetric, nonpolar molecule.
1. Complete Data Table 2 using the Periodic Table of Electronegativities and the Bonding Scale to determine the type of bond that each set of atoms would exhibit if they formed a bond. For polar covalent bonds only, draw a vector between atoms showing bond polarity in the last column.
2. Determine the electronegativity difference and bond polarity for each bond in compounds in Data Table 1. Record your calculations and bond polarity determination under Activity 4 in Data Table 1.
3. Add appropriate bond polarity vectors beside each bond in the perspective drawings under Activity 3 in Data Table 1.
4. Determine whether each molecule exhibits a dipole moment and write “yes” or “no” in the space provided under Activity 4 in Data Table 1. If the drawing is not clear, remake the model of the molecule to help visualize the shape and direction of the charges.
5. Determine whether each molecule is polar and write “polar” or “nonpolar” in the space provided under Activity 4 in Data Table 1.
ACTIVITY
14 Carolina Distance Learning
continued on next page
ACTIVITY 5
A Modeling Hydrocarbons Hydrocarbons are a large class of compounds that contain only hydrogen and carbon atoms. They present a unique structural and Lewis dot challenge because the compounds can be very large and do not have one central atom. Another challenge is that each carbon atom can bond to four different atoms and a molecule such as C5H12 can have three different structural formulas (see Figure 11). The different structural formulas are called isomers.
Scientists have devised numerous methods to represent molecules that do not contain a central atom. Each representation has certain advantages, as well as limitations. Commonly used representations include the molecular formula, the structural formula, the condensed structural formula, the skeletal model, the ball- and-stick model, and the space-filling model. The model or formula used depends on the information that is to be derived or conveyed. For example, to show how atoms are bonded together the structural formula might be used, but if geometry is a concern a ball-and-stick model might be preferable. The table on page 15 shows six different ways in which a pentane (C5H12) molecule can be represented.
Figure 11.
pentane (n-pentane) 2-methylbutane
(isopentane) dimethylpropane(neopentane)
www.carolina.com/distancelearning 15
continued on next page
Model Example Advantages Limitations
Molecular Formula
C5H12
Lists the number of atoms
Does not indicate bonding arrangements (C5H12 can represent any one of three different isomers of this molecule)
Structural Formula H H H H H
H C C C C C H
H H H H H
Shows the number of atoms and how they are bonded
Does not show the actual shape of the molecule
Condensed Structural Formula
CH3-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH3 or
CH3(CH2)3CH3
Simpler than the structural formula; shows the number of atoms and which atoms they are bonded to
Does not show the actual bonding order
Skeletal Model
Simple model that is useful for representing large organic molecules, particularly cyclic compounds
Shows the carbon framework but not the molecule’s shape; not all of the atoms and bonds are represented
Ball-and- Stick Model
Shows the number of atoms, bonding arrangements, and shape
Does not accurately show how the atoms bind
Space- Filling Model
Shows the three-dimensional shape of the molecule
The bonds are not clearly indicated. Individual atoms are difficult to see in large molecules
ACTIVITY
16 Carolina Distance Learning
ACTIVITY 5 continued
continued on next page
Classes of Hydrocarbons All hydrocarbons are composed entirely of carbon and hydrogen, yet their structures can vary greatly from one to the next. Hydrocar- bons are categorized into five groups: alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, cyclic, and aromatic molecules.
Alkanes Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons because all carbon atoms are connected by single bonds. They have the general formula CnH2n+2. Alkanes can form straight chains or branched chains. All carbon atoms in an alkane adopt a tetrahe- dral geometry and can rotate freely in three- dimensional space. The figures below show different structural arrangements for butane, an alkane with the formula C4H10.
Figure 12.
The first four-carbon, straight-chain molecule is normal butane, or n-butane. The second four-carbon, branched-chain molecule is isobutane (iso- meaning same or an isomer), or 2-methylpropane. Isobutane and n-butane are structural isomers: molecules that possess the same type and number of atoms but different bonding arrangements. Because of their struc- tural differences, these molecules have different physical and chemical properties.
Alkenes Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons because they contain at least one double bond. Mono- unsaturated alkenes are characterized by the general formula CnH2n. The presence of double bonds results in carbon atoms that adopt a rigid trigonal planar geometry and cannot rotate freely. Because of these rigid bonds, alkenes can form stereoisomers in addition to structural isomers. Stereoisomers have the same bonding sequence, but the atoms are oriented differ- ently in space. The diagram below shows three isomers of butene.
Figure 13.
Because the order of its bonding arrangements is different, 1-butene is a structural isomer of cis 2-butene and trans 2-butene. However, cis 2-butene and trans 2-butene are stereo- isomers, not structural isomers, because the atoms have the same bonding sequence but are oriented differently in space. When an alkene has two groups bonded to a carbon double bond on the same side, the molecule is in the cis position. When an alkene has two groups on opposite sides of the C=C bond, the molecule is in the trans position. The bonds forming the C=C bond are rigid, therefore the CH3 and H groups attached to the carbon cannot rotate to match the other carbon bond. Not all alkenes exhibit
www.carolina.com/distancelearning 17
continued on next page
cis-trans isomerization. If one carbon of the double bond holds two identical groups, the molecule does not exhibit cis-trans isomerization.
Geometric cis-trans isomers are only one type of stereoisomer; hydrocarbons may also exhibit E/Z isomerization, chirality, and optical isomerization.
Figure 14.
Alkynes Alkynes are unsaturated hydrocarbons that contain at least one triple bond. The general formula for alkynes with one triple bond is CnH2n–2. Ethyne*, or acetylene* , is the simplest of the alkynes and is shown in Figure 15. Acetylene is linear in shape, with rigid bonds that do not rotate freely. Alkynes adopt a linear shape and thus do not form geometric isomers but can form structural isomers.
* Ethyne is a systematic name using the suffix –yne to indicate the presence of a triple bond. In biology, ethyne is often referred to by its common name, acetylene.
Figure 15.
Cyclic and Aromatic Hydrocarbons In a cyclic hydrocarbon, the carbon atoms are arranged in a ring (a closed loop). The general
formula for cyclic hydrocarbons is CnH2(n+2-g), where g is the number of rings. Cyclohexane, in Figure 16, is one example of a cyclic hydro- carbon and has the formula C6H12. Alkenes can also form cyclic compounds. Cyclohexene is an example of a cyclic alkene.
Figure 16.
Aromatic hydrocarbons are a special class of cyclic hydrocarbons. A cyclic hydrocarbon is aromatic if the carbon atoms alternate between single and double bonds. Aromatic hydrocar- bons are very stable and form the backbone of many hydrocarbons. Benzene (C6H6) is the simplest aromatic compound, taking the form of a planar ring consisting of three double bonds and three single bonds. The figure below shows four different ways in which a benzene molecule can be represented.
Figure 17.
ACTIVITY
18 Carolina Distance Learning
ACTIVITY 5 continued
continued on next page
Basic Hydrocarbons 1. Form covalent bonds between a carbon and
a hydrogen atom by attaching a black four- prong piece to one end of a white tube and a white one-prong piece to the other end. Throughout this activity the black pieces will represent carbon atoms and the white pieces will represent hydrogen atoms.
2. Bond hydrogen atoms to the three remaining prongs on the carbon atom.
3. This structure is a “ball-and-stick” model of the simplest hydrocarbon found in nature, a methane molecule. There are several other ways to represent this molecule.
Figure 18.
Chemical formula CH4
Condensed structural formula
CH4
Expanded structural formula
H
H – C – H
H
Perspective drawing
Ball-and-stick model
Space-filling model
4. Label the model as methane and photograph for future reference. Carbon can also form single bonds with other carbon atoms to form long hydrocarbon chains. These molecules are saturated hydrocarbons because all carbon atoms are connected by single bonds. The structural formula of propane is:
Figure 19.
5. Build propane (C3H8) by bonding three carbon atoms together.
6. Attach a covalent bond and a hydrogen atom to all the open prongs.
7. Label the model as propane and photograph it for future reference.
8. Compare the ball-and-stick model that was constructed with the expanded structural formula. Describe the similarities and differences between the two representations in the Data Table.
9. Disassemble the molecular model.
Straight-Chained Hydrocarbons 1. Construct molecular models of each straight-
chain hydrocarbon in the following table. For double and triple bonds, bend the white tubes until the required number of connections between carbon atoms has been made.
2. Lay the ethane, ethene, and ethyne models side by side for comparison. In the Data Table, describe the following differences between the molecules: a. Three-dimensional structure b. Shape c. Rotation of the bonds (i.e., can the
carbon–carbon bonds rotate freely, or are they rigid?)
www.carolina.com/distancelearning 19
continued on next page
Class (bonding)
Example General Formula
Molecular Formula
Structural Formula
Alkanes (all single C–C
bonds)
ethane CnH2n+2 C2H6
Alkenes (at least one C=C bond)
ethene CnH2n C2H4
Alkynes (at least one C=C bond)
ethyne CnH2n–2 C2H2
d. Bond strength (Which molecule has the strongest bonds?)
3. Label each model and photograph it for future reference.
4. Disassemble the molecular models.
Isomers and Branched-Chain Hydrocarbons Isomers are molecules that have the same type and number of atoms but different bonding arrangements (structural isomers) or different orientations in space (geometric isomers).
Alkanes 1. Construct molecular models of both n-butane
and isobutene using the structural models below as a guide.