Question

Using the principles of VSEPR theory, you can predict the geometry around any atom in any molecule, no matter how complex. Enanthotoxin is a poisonous compound isolated from a common variety of hemlock grown in England. Predict the geometry around the indicated atoms in enanthotoxin. Be sure to answer all parts.

Answer 1

Explanation:

The O atom is sp3 in a water molecule, with two sigma bonds and two lone pairs of electrons like that in water. The steric integer is thus 4, and its structure is tetrahedral.

The C atom is sp hybridised into two identical bonds and two identical bonds in acetylene.

The steric integer is therefore 2 because only sigma bonds are engaged in deciding hybridization, and its structure is linear.

The C atom is sp2 hybridised in ethene with single pi bond and three sigma identical bonds.

Thus the steric integer is 3, and its structure is planar trigonal.

The C atom is sp2 hybridized in ethene, with one pi bond and three sigma identical bonds.

The steric integer would therefore be 3 and its structure is planar trigonal.

The O atom is sp3 in a water molecule with two bond pairs and two lone pairs of electrons like that. The steric integer is thus 4, and its structure is tetrahedral.

The C atom is sp3 in a methane ring, with 4 bond pairs and no solitary pairs of electrons like that. The steric integer is thus 4, and its structure is tetrahedral.