Place the following in order of decreasing X-A-X bond angle,where A represents the central atom and X represents the outer atoms in each molecule. N₂O NCl₃ NO₂⁻ A) NCl₃ NO₂⁻ N₂O B) NO₂⁻ N₂O NCl₃ C) N₂O NO₂⁻ NCl₃ D) NCl₃ N₂O NO₂⁻ E) N₂O NCl₃ NO₂⁻

Question

Place the following in order of decreasing X-A-X bond angle,where A represents the central atom and X represents the outer atoms in each molecule. N₂O NCl₃ NO₂⁻ A) NCl₃ > NO₂⁻ > N₂O B) NO₂⁻ > N₂O > NCl₃ C) N₂O > NO₂⁻ > NCl₃ D) NCl₃ > N₂O > NO₂⁻ E) N₂O > NCl₃ > NO₂⁻

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The bond angle in molecules is influenced by the electronegativity of the atoms and the presence of lone pairs. NSO (nitrosyl sulfide) has a higher bond angle due to the absence of lone pairs on the central atom and the electronegativity of the oxygen atom pulling electron density away, leading to a more linear structure. NO2- (nitrite ion) has a lone pair on the nitrogen, which reduces the bond angle compared to NSO. NCl3 (nitrogen trichloride) has the lowest bond angle due to the presence of three bulky chlorine atoms that repel each other, leading to a smaller bond angle.

Place the Following in Order of Decreasing X-A-X Bond Angle,where