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Chapter 2 Bonding and Molecular Shape
- Michael Clugston, Michael Clugstonformerly Tonbridge School
- Malcolm StewartMalcolm StewartUniversity of Oxford
- , and Fabrice BirembautFabrice BirembautCaen, France
Abstract
This chapter discusses bonding and molecular shape of electrons. A covalent bond occurs when atoms share a pair of similar electrons. Modern theories on covalent bonding are dominated by molecular orbital theory. Polar covalent bonds occur when different atoms share the electron pair unequally due to electronegativity. With benzene being the most familiar molecule of the bonding, delocalization happens when more than two atoms are involved in the bonding. The valence-shell electron-pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory can help us to visualize the shapes of simple molecules. Additionally, ionic bonding occurs when an atom transfers an electron to another atom and the ions formed a crystal lattice electrostatically.
