Describe the molecular geometry and hybridization of the N, P, or S atoms in each of the following compounds.

(a) H3PO4, phosphoric acid, used in cola soft drinks

(b) NH4NO3, ammonium nitrate, a fertilizer and explosive

(c) S2Cl2, disulfur dichloride, used in vulcanizing rubber

(d) K4[O3POPO3], potassium pyrophosphate, an ingredient in some toothpastes

Answer:

The molecular geometry of an atom is connected to the number of electron pairs that surround it(whether lone pairs or bonding pairs) as well as its hybridization state. We shall now examine the N, P, or S atoms in each of the following compounds.

a)

In H3PO4, P has a tetrahedral molecular geometry and is sp3 hybridized.

b) In NH4NO3

N is sp3 hybridized in NH4^+ and sp2 hybridized in NO3^-. Also, N is tetrahedral in NH4^+ but trigonal planar in NO3^-.

c) In S2Cl2, we expect a tetrahedral geometry but as a result of the presence of two lone pairs on each sulphur atom, the molecular geometry is bent. The sulphur is sp3 hybridized.

d) In K4[O3POPO3], each phosphorus atom is in a tetrahedral molecular geometry and is sp3 hybridized.