The bond length can be considered as approximately the sum...

The bond length can be considered as approximately the sum of the atomic radii of the two bonded atoms. The atomic radii for single-bonded carbon and oxygen are $77 \mathrm{pm}$ and $74 \mathrm{pm}$, respectively. For double-bonded $\mathrm{C}$ and $\mathrm{O}$ the values are $67 \mathrm{pm}$ and $60 \mathrm{pm}$, respectively. Use these data to estimate the carbon-to-oxygen bond length in (a) methanol, $\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{OH} ;$ (b) dimethyl ether, $\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{OCH}_{3}$; (c) formaldehyde, $\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{CO}$. Explain any difference among the bond lengths (see Table 6.1 as a reference).

The bond length can be considered as approximately the sum of the atomic radii of the two bonded atoms. The atomic radii for single-bonded carbon and oxygen are $77 \mathrm{pm}$ and $74 \mathrm{pm}$, respectively. For double-bonded $\mathrm{C}$ and $\mathrm{O}$ the values are $67 \mathrm{pm}$ and $60 \mathrm{pm}$, respectively. Use these data to estimate the carbon-to-oxygen bond length in
(a) methanol, $\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{OH} ;$
(b) dimethyl ether, $\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{OCH}_{3}$;
(c) formaldehyde, $\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{CO}$. Explain any difference among the bond lengths (see Table 6.1 as a reference).

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Key Concepts

Atomic Radius

Atomic radius refers to the distance from the nucleus of an atom to the outer boundary of its electron cloud. It is a fundamental property that affects how atoms interact in the formation of bonds. In bond length estimations, atomic radii provide an approximate measure of how close atoms can approach each other when a covalent bond is formed.

Bond Length Estimation

Bond length estimation based on atomic radii involves approximating the length of a covalent bond as the sum of the atomic radii of the two bonded atoms. This method provides a quick, though approximate, way to predict bond distances in different molecules, helping to understand molecular geometry and reactivity.

Bond Order and Multiple Bonds

Bond order indicates the number of chemical bonds between a pair of atoms, with higher bond orders corresponding to multiple bonds. Multiple bonds (such as double or triple bonds) generally have shorter bond lengths than single bonds, due to the increased electron density between the nuclei which draws them closer together. This difference in bond length can influence the physical and chemical properties of molecules.

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