Question

Determine the shape around the atoms in ethambutol

Answer 1

Answer:

             The structure of Ethambutol is attached below. As it can be seen in structure that there are three different atoms which can act as a central atom and hence, can make a geometrical shape. These three atoms are;

(i) Carbon (Tetrahedral):

                Each carbon atom in this compound is Sp³ hybridized because there is no double or triple bond in this compound. So, according to VSEPR theory the four bonded atoms will keep a maximum distance from each other to experience less repulsion. Therefore, the bond angle about carbon atom will be 109.5° and the shape will be Tetrahedral.

(ii) Nitrogen (Trigonal Pyramidal):

                 There are two atoms of Nitrogen in this compound. These Nitrogen atoms are bonded to three atoms. Also, it has one lone pair of electron. This pair of electron will cause the the bond between the atoms to decrease due to more repulsion hence making the bond angle less than 109.5° and giving a Trigonal Pyramidal shape.

(iii) Oxygen (Bent / Angular):

                 The two oxygen atoms are bonded to two atoms and contain two lone pair of electrons, hence, more repulsion and more small angle i.e. 104° giving a bent or angular shape.