Molecmod Lab
Molecmod Lab
Molecmod Lab
Introduction
A group of atoms held together by covalent bonds is called a molecule. Although we represent molecules on paper as being two-
dimensional for convenience, they are actually three-dimensional. By building molecular models, chemists come to understand
the bonding, shapes, and polarity of even the most complex molecules. A molecule can be represented on paper by either a
molecular or a structural formula. A molecular formula indicates the number and kind of each atom present in a molecule. Some
familiar molecular formulas are shown below.
NH3 CH4
The molecular formulas do not provide any information concerning the actual arrangement of atoms in a molecule. Such
information is given by structural formulas such as the following.
These structural formulas are two dimensional. The angles shown are not true to the shape of the molecule. Structural formulas
can be made to convey more information by using the following symbolism.
Using this symbolism, the structural formulas shown above can be redrawn in the following fashion.
H H
N
H H C
H
H H
Carbon C Black 4
Oxygen O Red 2
Nitrogen N Blue 3
Sulfur S Yellow 2 or 6
VSEPR Theory
In reality, molecules exist in three dimensions. The Valence-Shell Electron-Pair Repulsion theory, or VSEPR
theory, explains and predicts these three dimensional shapes. The theory states that because electron pairs repel (both
have negative charge), molecules adjust their shapes so that the valence-electron pairs are as far apart as possible.
There are several basic shapes that are then developed by small molecules (no more than several atoms) and these
basic shapes are shown below. As you build the molecules in this lab activity, you may refer to these diagrams to
assist you in identifying the shape of each molecule made.
1) hydrogen (molecular) H2
2) water H2O
3) methane CH4
5) ammonia NH3
6) nitrogen (molecular) N2
7) ethyne C2H2
24) Another type of structural isomer results in compounds with different types of functional groups. Construct a
model of ethanol, C2H5OH (see number 19 in this lab). Then, construct a model of dimethyl ether, CH3OCH3.
Draw them each below and compare the number of carbons, hydrogens, and oxygens in each.
These isomers have different physical and chemical properties. Structural isomers play a very important role in
organic chemistry.
Cis-trans isomerism is another type of stereoisomerism. This occurs when there is restricted rotation about a bond
between two atoms. Groups attached to each atom may be on the same side of the bond (the cis isomer) or opposite
sides (the trans isomer). Cis-trans isomerism also occurs in some inorganic complex compounds, when two groups
may be at adjacent (cis) or opposite (trans) positions.
26) Construct a model of cis-1,2-dichloroethane and another model of trans-1,2-dichloroethane. Both molecules
have the formula C2H2Cl2.
HINT: the carbons are bonded to each other, and each carbon is bonded to one hydrogen and one chlorine.
Draw both structures