Name:

CG:
SERANGOON JUNIOR COLLEGE
H2 9746 H1 8872 CHEMISTRY
2010 JC1

Date:

Chemical Bonding
Tutorial 5
Compulsory Questions
The compulsory questions are divided into three parts. Part A contains
questions from TYS and will be discussed during tutorial. Questions in Part B
are for self-practice. Questions in Part C are for submission.
Part A
[To be discussed during tutorial. Do all questions on foolscap paper. Show
working for MCQ.]

Comparison between the basic types of bonding

Qn 1 Electric cable, as used in houses, is made of copper wire surrounded by

poly(chloroethene), also called polyvinylchloride or PVC.

(a) (i) Describe the bonding in copper and explain how it conducts electricity.

definition of metallic bonds

Describe:
Give definition
of bonds,
not just the name

Copper has strong electrostatic forces of attractions between a

giant metallic lattice structure of cations/Cu2+ and sea of electrons.
Copper contains mobile electrons to conduct electricity.
(ii) Describe the bonding in PVC and hence explain why it acts as an
insulator.

definition of covalent bonds

PVC is polyvinyl chloride, a polymer with molecular structure with
strong electrostatic forces of attraction between shared pair of
electrons and nuclei
PVC does not contain mobile ions or electrons to conduct electricity.
(b)

However, electric cable used in fire alarm systems has copper wire

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surrounded by magnesium oxide which acts as an insulator. The whole

cable is encased in thin copper tubing.

(i)

Describe the bonding in magnesium oxide and explain why it acts

as an insulator.

definition of ionic bonds

Strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely
charged Mg2+ and O2- ions.
Ions can only vibrate about fixed position and hence are not mobile
to conduct electricity.
(ii)

Suggest two reasons why magnesium oxide is preferred to PVC

as an insulator.
MgO will not burn to produce toxic gases
MgO has higher melting point to withstand high temperature in
event of fire.

(iii)

Suggest a reason why copper is suitable for encasing the

magnesium oxide.

Copper is
High tensile strength provides support for brittle MgO
(because MgO is giant ionic)
Or Resistant to corrosion
Note: Tensile strength is the resistance of a material to tear apart,
measured as the maximum tension the material can withstand.

Qn 2 (a) Boron trifluoride, BF3 and aluminium fluoride, AlF3 differ markedly in their
physical properties.
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Compound
Melting point / C
BF3
-144
AlF3
1291
Deduce the type of bonding present in each of these compounds and draw
dot and cross diagrams to illustrate this bonding.
Deduce/Predict: need to give reason with inference from the given data
Analysis: Formula suggested AlF3 and BF3 should have similar type of structure.
But, melting point differ actual type of structure actual type of bonding
Answer to include: structure and type of intramolecular bonding

Low melting point indicates BF3 exist as simple molecular structure with
covalent bonds between B and F atoms
High melting point indicates AlF3 exist as giant ionic structure with
ionic bonds between oppositely charged Al3+ and F- ions

F B F
F

Al forms ionic compounds with

F, O and N;

3+
Al

a)

but covalent compounds with

other non-metals, eg. Cl, Br, I

Boron trifluoride forms a compound with ammonia. Describe the type of bond
that is formed during this reaction. Draw a diagram to illustrate the shape and
bonding in the product.
N atom in NH3 donates the lone pair of electrons to B with vacant
orbital/incomplete octet forming a co-ordinate (or dative covalent) bond.

Shapes and Polarity

Qn 3 Draw the dot-and-cross diagram and Lewis structure (if applicable) for each
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substance and hence explain the following observations:

(a)

(a)

CO2 and ICl2- are both linear, but have different number of electron pairs
CO2

OCO
X

X
X

O C O

There are 2 bond pairs and 0 lone pair around C

To minimise repulsion, the 2 electron pairs are directed to opposite
sides of each other
CO2 is linear

Cl
I
Cl
x
x

x
x
x
xx

ICl2-

Cl

Lone pair should be

represented by dots

I
Cl

There are 2 bond pairs and 3 lone pairs around I

To minimise repulsion, the 5 electron pairs are directed to the corners of
a trigonal bipyramid
Since lone pair - lone pair repulsion > lone pair bond pair repulsion
> bond pair-bond pair repulsion
ICl2- is also linear

Features of linear shape

2 bond pairs as indicated by the 2 neighbouring atoms

number of lone pairs is either 0 or 3.

Qn 3 Draw the dot-and-cross diagram and Lewis structure for each substance and
hence explain the following observations:
(b)

SO2 and SCl2 are both bent, but show different bond angles.

(b) SO2
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OSO
X
X

XX

X
X

There are 2 bond pairs and 1 lone pair around S

To minimise repulsion, the 3 electron pairs are directed to the corners of
an equilateral triangle
Since lone pair - bond pair repulsion > bond pair-bond pair repulsion
SO2 is bent with bond angle of <1200C.
SCl2

x
x

Cl
x x

x
x

S
x

Cl

x
x

Cl

Cl

There are 2 bond pairs and 2 lone pairs around S

To minimise repulsion, the 4 electron pairs are directed to the corners of
a tetrahedron
Since lone pair lone pair repulsion > lone pair - bond pair repulsion
> bond pair-bond pair repulsion
SCl2 is bent with bond angle of 104.50C
Features of bent or non-linear shape

2 bond pairs as indicated by the 2 neighbouring atoms

number of lone pairs is either 1 or 2

bond angle: 2 lone pairs (104.50) < 1 lone pair (<1200)

due to additional lone pair-lone pair repulsion

Qn 3 Draw the dot-and-cross diagram and Lewis structure for each substance and
hence explain the following observations:
(c)

NO3- and SO3 are both trigonal planar, but show different bond types.

Charge of -1 add 1 electron to more electronegative O

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such that 1 O atom has 7electrons form a single
bond

(b)

NO3-

xx
x
x
xOx
x
x
x

xx

x
x

xx

O
O

N
O

SO3
x
x

xx

x
x
x
xO x
xx

x
x
x

x
x Ox
xx

Both have 3 bond pairs and 0 lone pair around N and S respectively
To minimise repulsion, the 3 electron pairs are directed to the corners
of a trigonal pyramid
Both are trigonal planar
N, being an element in period 2, has no d orbitals in valence shell
(n=2) to accommodate electrons and cannot expand beyond octet
structure. Hence, dative bond is formed instead of double bond.

Period 2 elements
cannot expand beyond octet
dative bonds as last resort

Period 3 onwards elements

expand beyond octet (>8 electrons)
double bonds are preferred

(lone pair from central atom to neighbour)

Qn 3 Draw the dot-and-cross diagram and Lewis structure for each substance and
hence explain the following observations:
(d)

CH4 and NH3 have the same number of electron pairs around the central atom,
but show different bond angles.

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(d) Both have 4 electron pairs directed to the corners of a tetrahedron

CH4

H
H C H
H

There are 4 bond pairs and 0 lone pair around C

CH4 is tetrahedral with bond angle of 109.5

NH3

HN H
H
x

N
H

There are 3 bond pairs and 1 lone pair around N

Since lone pair - bond pair repulsion > bond pair-bond pair repulsion,
NH3 is trigonal pyramidal in shape with bond angle compressed to 107

Bond angle decreases with increasing number of lone pairs

Qn 3 Draw the dot-and-cross diagram and Lewis structure for each substance and
hence explain the following observations:
(e) The bond angle in water increases slightly when the ion, H3O+, is formed
(e)

H2O

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OH
H
x

There are 2 bond pairs and 2 lone pairs around O

To minimise repulsion, the 4 electron pairs are directed to corners of a

tetrahedron

Since lone pair-lone pair repulsion > lone pair-bond pair repulsion >
bond pair-bond pair repulsion,
H2O is bent with bond angle of 104.50

Charge of +1 subtract 1 electron from less electronegative H

form a dative bond (lone pair of O donates to H++)

H3O+

H OH
H

H H

O donates 1 lone pair to H+ with vacant orbital forming a dative covalent

bond such that there are now 3 bond pairs and 1 lone pair around O

Since lone pair-bond pair repulsion >

bond pair-bond pair
repulsion,
H3O+ is trigonal pyramidal with bond angle of 1070

structural requirements for dative bond:

(a) lone pair of electrons; (b) atom with incomplete octet/duplet for H
Bond

angle increases by 2.50 when 1 lone pair is changed to 1 bond pair

Qn 3 Draw the dot-and-cross diagram for each substance and hence explain the
following observations:
H
C C

(f)

Cl

Cl
H

Cl
C C

is non-polar, but H

9647 H2 8872 H1Chemistry

Cl
H is polar.
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(f)

H
x
C

x
x

x xx
x
Cl x
x x
Cx

Cl

Cl x
C
x
H

x xx
x
Cl xx
x
x
x Cx

Both isomers have 2 polar C-Cl bonds with no lone pair around each C
The C-Cl bonds in 1st (trans form) isomer are opposite each other across
the C=C bond such that dipole moments associated with the polar bonds
cancel out exactly
H
C C

Cl
H

Cl

is non-polar

The C-Cl bonds in 2nd (cis form) isomer are on the same side of C=C
bond such that dipole moments associated with the polar bonds do not
cancel out exactly
Cl
C C

Cl
H is polar

Factors affecting polarity of molecule:

polar bond,

X-Y- and lone pair(s)

orientation of polar bond(s) in molecule ~ idea of tug of war/symmetrical shape

Comparison between the types of structure/bonding

Qn 4 Complete the table below for the following substances in terms of structure
and bonding.
Substance

Chemical structure

9647 H2 8872 H1Chemistry

Chemical bond to be overcome during

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melting / boiling
E.g S8

Simple molecular

(a) CH3CH2OH
(e) CH3Cl

(b) SiC
(f) SiCl4

Van der Waals forces of attraction

between S8 molecules

(c) CaSO4
(g) CH3NH2

(d) Ca
(h) Ne

Substance

Chemical

Chemical bond to be overcome during

CH3CH2OH

structure
simple molecular

melting / boiling
weak intermolecular hydrogen bonds

giant molecular

strong covalent bonds

giant ionic lattice

between Si and C atoms

strong ionic bonds between

giant metallic lattice

oppositely charged ions (ie cations & anions)

strong metallic bonds between

simple molecular

cations and sea of electrons

weak Van der Waals forces of attraction

simple molecular

due to permanent dipoles (polar molecules)

weak Van der Waals forces of attraction

(alcohol)
SiC
CaSO4
Ca
CH3Cl
SiCl4

due to temporary dipoles (non-polar

CH3NH2

simple molecular

molecules)
weak intermolecular hydrogen bonds

(amine)
Ne

simple molecular

weak Van der Waals forces of attraction

(noble gas)

between atoms

Qn 5 In 1886, Henri Moissan succeeded in obtaining fluorine by the electrolysis of

molten potassium hydrogen-difluoride, KHF2, which is an ionic compound
containing one cation and one anion.
(i)

Write the formula of the ions present in KHF2.

Cation: K+
Anion: [HF2]-

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(ii)

Suggest a structure for the anion and state what types of bonding occur
within it.
For HF2- :
H: 1 electron (central atom)
1 F: 7 electrons, forms single bond with H (covalent bonding)
1F: 8 electrons, does not form dative bond with H (H does not have
empty orbital to accept) forms hydrogen bond with H
covalent bond

F HF

Label:
- + on H and - on 2 F
- lone pair of electrons on F

hydrogen bond

Comparison of the various physical properties

Melting / Boiling Point
Qn 6 Explain the following observations:
(a)

To include:
Type of structure
Relative strength of
intermolecular forces of
attraction
Amount of energy

Carbon dioxide is a gas whereas silicon dioxide (IV) oxide is a solid of high
melting point.

CO2 has a simple molecular structure.

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Smaller amount of energy is needed to overcome the weaker

intermolecular Van der Waals forces of attractions.

Hence, CO2 has a low boiling point and is a gas.

SiO2 has a giant molecular structure.

Larger amount of energy is needed to overcome the stronger covalent

bonds between Si and O atoms.

(b)

Hence, SiO2 is a solid with high melting point.

The boiling points of the halogens show a trend.
Elemen

boiling point / C

t
Cl2
Br2
I2

-35
+59
+184

Halogens have simple molecular structures

or stronger

No of electrons of halogens increases down the group.

Larger amount of energy is required to overcome the more extensive
intermolecular Van der Waals forces of attraction down the group
Hence, boiling point increases down the group.

(c)

Butane, CH3CH2CH2CH3, has a higher boiling point than 2-methylpropane,

CH(CH3)3.

Both butane and 2-methylpropane have simple molecular structures

with the same number of electrons.

Butane is a unbranched (or more elongated) with greater surface area

than 2-methylpropane which is branched (or more spherical)

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More energy required to overcome the more extensive intermolecular

Van der Waals forces of attraction in butane.
avoid using stronger as

same number of electrons

Hence butane (CH3CH2CH2CH3) has a higher boiling point than

2-methylpropane (CH(CH3)3)

(d)

butane has a lower boiling point than butanol (CH3CH2CH2CH2OH)

Both butane and butanol have simple molecular structures.

Less energy is required to overcome the weaker intermolecular Van

der Waals forces of attraction in butane than the stronger
intermolecular hydrogen bonds in butanol.

Hence butane has lower boiling point than butanol.

Solubility
Qn 7 The solubilities in water of the three gases are given in the table below:
gas

Solubility in

water / mol dm-3

NH3
18
HCl
23
CO2
0.033
Each of these gases is soluble in water because it interacts with the solvent.
(i)

Write equations for any chemical reactions that occur.

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(ii)

NH3 (g) + H2O (l)

NH4+ + OH- (aq)

CO2 (g) + H2O (l)

H2CO3 (aq)

HCl (g) + H2O (l)

H3O+ + Cl- (aq)

Expected to include H2O as

reactant

Suggest reasons for the much higher solubilities of ammonia and

hydrogen chloride, compared to that of carbon dioxide.
NH3 can form favourable intermolecular hydrogen bonds with water
molecules
HCl dissociates in water to produce ions, hence the ions forms
favourable ion-dipole interaction with water.
Hence, both ammonia and hydrogen chloride are water-soluble.
Weaker intermolecular Van der Waals forces of attractions in CO2 are
not able to displace the stronger intermolecular hydrogen bonds in
water for hydration.
Hence carbon dioxide is less soluble in water.

Electrical Conductivity and others

Qn 8
(a) Graphite conducts electricity but diamond does not.
Graphite is a good conductor of electricity parallel to the layers as nonbonding valence electrons of the carbon atoms are mobile along layers to
conduct electricity.

In diamond, the electrons are localised in the covalent bonds and not
mobile to conduct electricity.

(b)

Potassium is good electrical conductor at any states while potassium chloride

conducts in molten state or aqueous solution, not solid state.

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In potassium, presence of mobile electrons to conduct electricity.

In potassium chloride, ions in solid state can only vibrate about fixed
positions and hence are not mobile to conduct electricity, whereas ions in
molten or aqueous are mobile to conduct electricity.

(c)

Copper is ductile while copper(II) sulfate is brittle.

In copper, stress applied on a metallic lattice causes sliding of layers of
cations without breaking the metallic structure as the sea of electrons are
still holding the cations together. Hence, copper is ductile.

In CuSO4, stress applied on the ionic lattice with regular pattern allows causes
sliding of layers resulting in ions of similar charges coming together.
The resultant repulsion shatters the ionic structure. Hence, CuSO4 is brittle.

(d)

Ethanoic acid, C2H4O2 in the gas phase just above its boiling point has an
apparent Mr of 120.
Ethanoic acid (CH3CO2H, Mr of 60.0) has an apparent Mr of 120 which
doubles the expected value.
Each acid molecule pairs up to form a cyclic (closed ring) dimer via

intermolecular hydrogen bonds.

Labels:
- + on H and - on 2 O atoms
- lone pair of electrons on O

Combined physical properties

CH3

C
O H

H O

C CH3

Qn 9
Lead, lead(II) chloride and lead(IV) chloride have melting points of 327oC, 498oC
and -15oC respectively.
(a)

Describe the bonding of these three substances and explain how it accounts
for the above melting points.

PbCl2 has a giant ionic lattice structure with strong electrostatic forces of
attraction between oppositely charged ions.
Largest amount of energy is required to overcome the strong ionic bonds.

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Hence, PbCl2 has the highest melting point.

Pb has a giant metallic lattice structure with strong electrostatic force of

attraction between cations and sea of electrons..
Large amount of energy is required to overcome the strong metallic bonds.
Hence, Pb has a high melting point.

PbCl4 has a simple molecular structure with weak intermolecular Van der
Waals forces of attraction.
Smallest amount of energy is required to overcome the weaker Van der
Waals forces. Hence, PbCl4 has the lowest melting point.

(b)

State and explain with reasoning the relative solubility of PbCl2 and PbCl4 in
polar solvents such as water.
PbCl2 can form favourable ion-dipole interactions with water molecules that
results in the release of energy to break the giant ionic lattice structure for
hydration to occur.
Hence, PbCl2 is more soluble in water.
No favourable interactions between PbCl4 and water molecules can be
formed as the weak intermolecular Van der Waals forces of attraction in

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PbCl4 are not able to displace the stronger intermolecular hydrogen

bonds of water.
Hence, PbCl4 is insoluble in water.
(c)

State and explain the relative electrical conductivity of these chlorides

PbCl2
Good conductor in

molten/aqueous state but a nonconductor in solid state

In molten/aqueous state, ions are

mobile to conduct electricity

In solid state, ions can only

vibrate about fixed positions and

PbCl4
Non-electrical
conductor

Electrons are
localised in covalent
bonds and not mobile to
conduct electricity

not mobile

Integrated Question
Qn 10 Modified TJC Prelim 2008/1/2a,b
(a)
Chemical
Bonding

Some data on three nitrogen-containing compounds are given in the table

below:
Compound
Boiling Point /
0
Molecular Formula
C
dinitrogen pentoxide
N2O5
Decomposes
nitric acid
HNO3
83
nitrosyl chloride
NOCl
-6.4
(i) Draw Lewis structures to illustrate the shapes of N2O5 (a symmetrical
molecule), HNO3 (with N and O as centres) and NOCl. Indicate the relevant
bond angles in each case.

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O
N

N104.50N
O

O
N

120

120

O
H

104.50

O
N

N
1200

Cl

trigonal planar (about each N) / bent (about central O)

Cl
<1200

bent (about N)

(ii) Nitrosyl chloride is a yellow gas most commonly encountered as a

decomposition product of aqua regia, a mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acid
Nitric acid, also known as aqua fortis, is a common bench reagent used in
chemical laboratories.
Explain the difference in boiling points of nitric acid and nitrosyl chloride in
terms of structure and bonding.
Both nitric acid and nitrosyl chloride have simple molecular structures.
More energy is required to overcome the stronger intermolecular hydrogen
bonds in nitric acid than the weaker intermolecular Van Der Waals forces
of attractions in nitrosyl chloride
Hence nitric acid has a higher boiling point than nitrosyl chloride.
(b) The dissociation of nitrosyl chloride into nitric oxide and chlorine is an
endothermic process which takes place according to the equation:
2NOCl (g)

2NO (g) + Cl2 (g)

H > 0

In an evacuated 20 dm3 vessel at 400 K, 0.5 mol of NOCl is injected and the
equilibrium pressure is 101 kPa.
(i) Calculate the total number of moles of gas at equilibrium, assuming the
gases behave ideally.

(i)

PV = nRT

9647 H2 8872 H1Chemistry

Ideal gas
equation

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PV
101 10 3 20 10 3
n=
=
RT
8.31 400

n = 0.06077 = 0.608 mol (3 sf)

(i) Hence calculate the percentage of the nitrosyl chloride that has
dissociated.
(ii)

Let x be equilibrium amount of Cl2 in mol.

2NOCl (g)
Initial /mol

2NO (g) + Cl2(g)

0.5

Change /mol

- 2x

+ 2x

+x

Equilibrium/mol

0.5 2x

+ 2x

+ x

Chemical
Equilibria

Total equilibrium number of mol = 0.5 2x + 2x + x = 0.6077

x = 0.1077
% of NOCl dissociated =

2(0.1077)
100 % = 43.1 %
0.5

Part B
[Drilling questions. These questions will not be discussed in class, please check ASPIRE II
for more information
Qn 1
Describe the structure & type of bonding in potassium, calcium oxide and hydrogen
iodide. Draw dot-and-cross diagrams to illustrate the arrangement of valence
electrons in calcium oxide and hydrogen iodide.
Potassium has a giant metallic lattice structure with strong electrostatic forces
of attraction between cations (K+ ) and sea of electrons.

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Calcium oxide has a giant ionic lattice structure with strong electrostatic forces
of attraction between the oppositely charged (Ca2+ and O2-) ions.

2+
Ca

2-

xx
Ox
x
xx

Hl has a simple molecular structure with stronger electrostatic forces of

attraction between the nuclei and the shared pair of electron and
weaker intermolecular van der waals forces

xx
H xxxI xx

Qn 2
Complete the table below for the following molecules / ions.
Molecul
e/ion

Central atom

Dot-andcross
diagram

Lewis structure

Neutral substance

By Group No.
(a) Gp II/III

BeCl2

(b) Gp IV: C
(c) Gp V: N
(d) Gp V
(e) Gp VI: O

C2H6 C2H4 CO
NO2
N2O4 N2H4
AsBr3 SbF5
O3
HOBr

9647 H2 8872 H1Chemistry

MgO

Mg3N2

Shape/
Bond angle

Polarity
(polar/nonpolar)

Cations

Anions

BH2+

AlCl4-

CH2F+
NO2+
POCl2+
H3O2+

CNONO2PCl6OHPage 20 of 31

(f) Gp VI
(g) Gp VII
(h) Gp 0

SF3+
IF4+
XeF3+

H2SO3 H2SO4 (2 centres)

ClFO2 BrFO3 IF3O
XeF4 XeOF4 XeO2F2

SO32ClF4-

SO42ClO3-

(a) Group II/III

Molecule
/ion
BeCl2

Dot-and-cross
diagram
xx
xx
x
x
x
Cl
Be Cl xx
x
xx
xx

MgO

2+

xx
Ox
x
xx

Mg

Mg3N2

2+
3

Mg

BH2+
H

AlCl4-

Lewis
structure
Cl Be Cl

Polarity
Non-polar

Note: Group II/III metals form

2-

predominantly ionic bonds with the top

most electronegative atoms: F, O and N

3-

xx

Shape / Bond
Angle
Linear / 1800

Nx
xx

x B

+
H

xx
x
x
x Cl x
x
xx
x xx
x x Al Cl x
x
xCl
x x x x xx
x Cl x
x xx x

Al
Cl

__

Tetrahedral/
109.5

__

Cl
Cl

Linear / 1800

Cl

(b) Group IV: C

Molecule
/ion
CO
C2H6

C2H4

CH2F+

Dot-and-cross
diagram
x
x C xx O

Lewis
structure
x
xC
O

Hx Hx
xC x H
HxC
x
x
H H

H
H

x
x
x N xx

xx

x
Ox
xx

C C
H

Trigonal planar
(each C) / 120

H
C C

+
Fx
H xC H

CNO-

Tetrahedral
(about each C) /
109.5

Hx Hx
H x C xx C x H

Shape /
Bond Angle
Linear / 1800

F
H

Trigonal planar/
1200

Polarity
Polar

Non-polar

Non-polar
__

C O

__
Linear / 180

(c) Group V: N
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Molecule
/ion
NO2

Dot-and-cross
diagram
x
x
x

N2O4

N2H4

x
x

xx

Lewis structure

xx

Oxx

O
O

O
xx
xx
x
O x N x N xx O xx
x
x
xO x
xx

N N
O

xx

H NNH
HH
x

NO2+

ON O

NO2-

xx

ON O
x

O N O

Shape/
Bond angle
Slightly bent /
<1200

Polarity

Trigonal planar
(about each N) /
1200

Non-polar

Trigonal
pyramidal
(each N) / 1070
Linear / 1800

Polar

Bent / <1200

__

Shape/
Bond angle
Trigonal
pyramidal / 1070

Polarity

Trigonal
bipyramidal /
1200 (equatorial)
& 900 (axial)

Non-polar

Slightly
polar

__

O
(d) Group V
Molecule
/ion
AsBr3

Dot-and-cross
diagram
x
x

xx

Lewis structure

xx

As

x
x
Br x As xBr
xx
xx

x
x

Br
Br
Br

Br x
xx

SbF5

xx
x xx
x
x
x
x
x
x
x x
x
x
xx

F
F
F
Sb
x
x
x x x
x
xFx x F x
xx
xx

x
x

xx

POCl2+
x
x

xx
x
x
x
xx x x xx
x
x
x
xx
xx

Cl P O
Cl

PCl6Cl
Cl

Cl

O
Cl

Cl

x xCl

Px

Sb

Cl
x
x

Cl
-

Cl
Cl
Cl

Cl

Trigonal planar/
120

Polar

__

__
Octahedral / 90

Cl

Cl

(e) Group VI: O

Molecule
/ion

Dot-and-cross
diagram

9647 H2 8872 H1Chemistry

Lewis structure

Shape/
Bond angle

Polarity

Page 22 of 31

HOBr

O3

Bent /
< 104.5
Bent /
< 120

O xxO xx
xx
x
x
xO x

xx

Polar

Polar

1st O: Bent/104.50
2nd O:Trigonal
pyramidal/
1070

H3O2+

OHx

O H

O H

__

__

Linear / 180

(f) Group VI:

Molecule
/ion
H2SO3

Dot-and-cross
diagram
x S x xx
x
x
x
Oxx x x O
x
x Ox
H xx H

xx

H2SO4

Lewis structure

Shape/
Bond angle

Polarity

S: Trigonal
pyramidal /1070
Each O: bent /
104.50
S: Tetrahedral /
1090
Each O: bent /
104.50

Polar

Trigonal
pyramidal / 1070

__

Trigonal
pyramidal / 1070

__

2-

Tetrahedral /
109.5

__

Lewis structure

Shape/
Bond angle

Polarity

O O O
H

H
O

O
xx

xS
xO
x
x
x

O H
x

O
O

SF3+

SO32-

2--

SO42-

2-

x S x xx
x
xx x
xx x
Oxx xx x O
xOx
xx

O O O
2-

O
xx

xS
x
x
x

Polar

S
O

(g) Group VII

Molecule
/ion

Dot-and-cross
diagram

9647 H2 8872 H1Chemistry

Page 23 of 31

ClFO2

Trigonal
pyramidal /
1070

Polar

BrFO3

Tetrahedral /
109.5

Polar

See saw /
<1200 (equatorial)

Polar

IF3O

O
I

F F
Molecule
/ion
IF4+

Dot-and-cross
diagram

& 900 (axial)

Lewis structure
+

F F
ClF4-

x
x xx
xx x

x
xx x
x
x x

x Cl x x
x xx
x
xFxx
xFxx
x
x

ClO3x
x

xx

xx
x
x
x x x x x xx
x
x
x
x

O Cl O
O

F
-

Cl
O

Polarity

See saw /
<1200 (equatorial)

__

& 900 (axial)

Cl

Shape/
Bond angle

Square planar /
90o

__

Trigonal
pyramidal /
107

__

(h) Group 0
Molecule
/ion
XeF4

Dot-and-cross
diagram
x
x

xx

F
xx x

xx
x
x
xF
xx

xx

Xe

XeOF4

x
xF
xx

xx
F xx
xx

Lewis structure
F

F
Xe

F
F
F

9647 H2 8872 H1Chemistry

O
Xe

F
F

Shape/
Bond angle
Square
planar /
90o
Square
pyramidal /
90o

Polarity
Nonpolar
Polar

Page 24 of 31

XeO2F2

O
Xe
O

XeF3+

F
F
+

F
Xe

See saw /
<1200
(equatorial)
& 900 (axial)

Polar

T-shaped /
90o

__

Qn 3 N2006//III/2a
Boron forms simple trihalides of formula BX 3 with all the halogens. BF3 and BCl3 are
the most common. Both find uses as Friedel-Crafts catalysts since they readily react
with electron pair donors.
(i)
Describe and explain the shape of the BF3 molecule.
There are 3 bond pairs and 0 lone pairs around B.
To minimise repulsion, the 3 electron pairs are directed to the corners of an
equilateral triangle.
Hence BF3 is trigonal planar
(ii)

BF3 and trimethylamine, (CH3)3N, react in a 1:1 ratio to give a white crystalline
solid. Draw a diagram to show the bonding within a molecule of this solid,
explaining the type of bonding involved.
[5]
N atom in N(CH3)3 donates the lone pair of electrons to B with vacant
orbital/incomplete octet forming a co-ordinate (or dative covalent) bond.
H3C
H3C
H3C

F
N B

Qn 4 Cyanamide, NH2CN, is used for organic synthesis in a stable commercial form

and it is formed from the acidification of calcium cyanamide, CaNCN.
Cyanamide is also capable of forming an addition product with boron
trifluoride, BF3.
(a)
Write down an equation representing the formation of cyanamide from
calcium cyanamide.
CaNCN + 2H+
NH2CN + Ca2+
(b)

Comment on the difference in melting points of cyanamide and calcium

cyanamide with respect to their structures and bonding.
NH2CN is a simple molecular structure and
CaNCN has a giant ionic lattice structure.
Smaller amount of energy is required to overcome the weaker
intermolecular hydrogen bonds in NH2CN than the stronger ionic
bonds in CaNCN.
Hence melting point of NH2CN is lower than CaNCN.
9647 H2 8872 H1Chemistry
Page 25 of 31

(c)

State the likely shapes of NH 2CN and BF3, hence draw a diagram to
illustrate the likely shape of the addition product.

N
H

B
F

NC
H
H

F
N B

NH2CN is trigonal pyramidal, BF3 is trigonal planar

Addition product: tetrahedral with respect to each N and B centre
Qn 5 N2001/II/2a
A newly discovered source of frozen fuel is methane ice, also called methane
hydrate. This is methane trapped in ice about 500 m to 2000 m below the ocean
surface. Deposits have been detected off Norway, North Carolina and in the Pacific
Ocean off Japan, Indonesia and New Zealand.
The ice in methane hydrate has a more open structure than ordinary ice and
contains spaces large enough to contain methane molecules.
(i)

Draw a diagram of a water molecule and explain why its bond angle is about
105o

O
H

There are 2 bond pairs and 2 lone pairs around O. To minimise repulsion,
the 4 electron pairs are directed to the corners of a tetrahedron.
Since lone pair-lone pair repulsion > lone pair-bond pair repulsion > bond
pair-bond pair repulsion, bond angle is compressed to 104.50 (105)
(ii)

The diagram below shows part of the structure of ordinary ice.

Explain why the bond angles in ice are 109 o.

9647 H2 8872 H1Chemistry

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In ice, each water molecule forms two hydrogen bonds with its neighbouring
water molecules such that each oxygen atom is surrounded by four hydrogen
bonded atoms.
There are a total of 4 bond pairs and 0 lone pairs around O,
hence shape is tetrahedral about O and bond angle is 109.

Qn 6 Nitrogen and boron combine to form boron nitride, with empirical formula BN,
which has a graphite-like structure.
(a)

By considering the electron distribution of your above structure, suggest with

reasoning the likely electrical conductivity of boron nitride.
Boron nitride:

non-conductor of electricity when perpendicular to layers: electrons are

localised in the covalent bonds and not mobile to conduct electricity

non-conductor of electricity when parallel to layers. Lone pairs of

electrons on N atoms are held closely to the highly electronegative N
atom and are not mobile to conduct electricity.

(b)

Suggest one probable industrial application of boron nitride.

It could be used as a machinery lubricant.

Qn 7 NaN3 hydrolyses slowly in water to form hydrazoic acid, HN 3.

(a)

Draw the dot and cross diagram for ionic compound, NaN 3.
-

Na
(b)

N N N

Explain why NaN3 has low solubility in hexane, an organic solvent in

terms of chemical structure and bonding.

NaN3 has a giant ionic lattice structure with strong ionic bonds.
9647 H2 8872 H1Chemistry
Page 27 of 31

Hexane has a simple molecular structure with weak intermolecular

Van der Waals forces of attraction.

Hence, no favourable ion-dipole interactions between ions and nonpolar hexane molecules can be formed to break down the giant ionic
lattice structure.

Qn 8 A student is given oxides of elements W, X, Y, Z and their properties are given

below:
Formula
Melting point / oC
Appearance at
Conductivity
of oxide
r.t.p.
WO2
1700
White solid
None
X2O
0
Colourless liquid
Poor
YO
2850
White solid
Good in molten state
ZO2
-73
Colourless gas
None
She was told that the four samples could be water, silicon dioxide, carbon dioxide or
magnesium oxide.
(a) Identify the four oxides.
Formula of oxide
Identity
WO2
Silicon dioxide
X2O
Water
YO
Magnesium oxide
ZO2
Carbon dioxide
(b) Explain your reasoning for the identification of X2O, based on the physical
properties given (i.e. its melting point and conductivity in molten state).
X2O Simple molecular structure

Smaller amount of energy is needed to break the relatively weaker

intermolecular hydrogen bonds, hence low melting point.

Poor electrical conductor because electrons are localised in the

covalent bonds and not mobile to conduct electricity
(c) Explain why the melting point of YO is higher than ZO2.
YO

Giant ionic lattice structure

Larger amount of energy is needed to break the stronger ionic
bonds

ZO2 Simple molecular structure

Small amount of energy is needed to break the weaker
intermolecular Van Der Waals forces of attraction
(d) Explain why YO can conduct electricity in molten state but not WO2.
YO

Good electrical conductor in molten state: ions are mobile to conduct

electricity
9647 H2 8872 H1Chemistry
Page 28 of 31

WO2 Non electrical conductor: electrons are localised in the covalent

bonds in the giant molecular structure,
hence, not mobile to conduct electricity

Part C
These questions are for submission and answer will be posted on ASPIRE. Deadline
for submission: ________
Qn 1 Total 10 marks (Standard A level)
Ethene, C2H4, and hydrazine, N2H4, are hydrides of elements which are adjacent in
the Periodic Table. Data about ethene and hydrazine are given in the table below.
C2H4
N2H4
o
melting point/ C
-169
+2
o
boiling point/ C
-104
+114
solubility in water
Insoluble
high
solubility in ethanol
high
high
(a) Ethene and hydrazine have a similar arrangement of atoms but differently
shaped molecules.
(i) What is the H-C-H bond angle in ethene? Bond angle: 1200 [1]
(ii) Draw a dot-and-cross diagram for hydrazine.
xx

H NNH
HH
x

[1]
(iii) What is the H-N-H bond angle in hydrazine? Bond angle: 1070 [1]
(iv) State and explain whether hydrazine is polar or non-polar.
[5]
N-H bond is polar and there is 1 lone pair around each N
N2H4 is trigonal pyramidal about each N such that the dipole moments
associated with the polar bonds and lone pair do not cancel out exactly. [1]
N2H4 is polar [1]
(b) The melting and boiling points of hydrazine are much higher than those of
ethene. Suggest reasons for these differences in terms of the intermolecular
forces
each
compound
possesses.
[2]
Both have simple molecular structures.

9647 H2 8872 H1Chemistry

Page 29 of 31

More energy is required to overcome the stronger intermolecular hydrogen

bonding in hydrazine than the weaker intermolecular Van der Waals forces
of attraction in ethene. Hence higher melting & boiling of hydrazine than ethene.
(c) Explain, with the aid of a diagram showing lone pairs of electrons and dipoles,
why
hydrazine
is
very
soluble
in
ethanol.

[3]
O

N H
H
N
H

H
O
hydrogen

bonds
C2 H5 H
Challenging)

1m show/state hydrogen bond

1m draw N2H4 and C2H5OH
1m show lone pairs and partial charges

Qn 2 Total 10 marks (More

(a)

C2 H 5

Cyanogen, a highly toxic gas can be represented by the formula, (CN) 2. When
subjected to extremely high pressure, a non-conducting solid is formed.
Research done suggested that the electrical conductivity of the solid could be
increased by inserting certain atoms into its structure for example, caesium.
(i)
Draw the dot and cross diagram of a cyanogen molecule.
[1]

N CC N
[1 or 0]
(ii)

Determine with reasoning the shape of the cyanogen molecule.

[2]
There are 2 bond pairs and 0 lone pairs around C .
To minimise repulsion, the 2 electron pairs are directed to opposite
sides of each other [1]
Cyanogen is linear [1].

(iii)

(b)

Explain how the introduction of caesium enhances the electrical

conductivity of cyanogen.
[1]
Caesium has a giant metallic lattice structure with mobile electrons
to enhance the electrical conductivity of cyanogen. [1]

Cyanide poisoning occurs when a living organism is exposed to cyanide ions.

Common life threatening chemicals include cyanide salts such as potassium
cyanide.
(i)
Draw the dot and cross diagram for cyanide ion. Given that cyanide ion
has a linear shape, predict its Lewis structure.
[2]

9647 H2 8872 H1Chemistry

N
Page 30 of 31

[1 or 0]
(ii)

[1 ecf]

Predict and explain how you would expect the boiling point of
potassium cyanide to compare with hydrogen fluoride.
[4]
Potassium cyanide has a giant ionic lattice structure while
Hydrogen fluoride has a simple molecular structure. [1]
Larger amount of energy is required to overcome the stronger ionic
bonds [1] in KCN than the weaker intermolecular hydrogen bonds
in HCN [1].
Potassium cyanide will have a higher [1] boiling point compared to
hydrogen fluoride.

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9647 H2 8872 H1Chemistry

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