14. Checking Hybridization Theory with XH_3

Freshman Organic Chemistry (CHEM 125)

This lecture brings experiment to bear on the previous theoretical discussion of bonding by focusing on hybridization of the central atom in three XH_3 molecules. Because independent electron pairs must not overlap, hybridization can be related to molecular structure by a simple equation. The "Umbrella Vibration" and the associated rehybridization of the central atom is used to illustrate how a competition between strong bonds and stable atoms works to create differences in molecular structure that discriminate between bonding models. Infrared and electron spin resonance experiments confirm our understanding of the determinants of molecular structure.

00:00 - Chapter 1. A Relationship between Hybridization and Molecular Structure
08:30 - Chapter 2. Optimizing Hybridization in XH3 Molecules
19:17 - Chapter 3. Infrared Spectroscopy on the Structures of the XH3 Molecules
29:43 - Chapter 4. Electron Spin Resonance on Hybridization and Electron Density

Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: http://open.yale.edu/courses

This course was recorded in Fall 2008.