The H-C-H bond angle in COH2 is about 117-118°, while the F-C-F bond angle in COF2 is 108°. Explain the difference in the deviations from the expected 120° and explain the source of the difference in the two molecules.
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Both molecules have a central carbon atom bonded to two other atoms and a double-bonded oxygen, which suggests a trigonal planar geometry with an expected bond angle of 120°. Show more…
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VSEPR geometry predicts that the bond angles in formaldehyde (CH2O), a trigonal planar molecule, will be 120° throughout all three angles. However, analysis showed that the H-C-H bond angle is slightly smaller at 116.5°, while the two H-C-O angles are slightly larger at 121.8°. Explain this difference in the predicted bond angle vs actual bond angle?
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State an ideal value for each of the bond angles in each molecule, and note where you expect deviations:
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