Wednesday, 15 August 2012

Formation of covalent bond in chlorine molecule




Formation of  hydrogen chloride molecule, HCl ( covalent compound)
The formation of covalent bonds in hydrogen chloride molecule is explained as follows:

§  Each hydrogen atom has an electron arrangement of 1.
§  The outermost shell needs one electron in order to achieve a stable duplet electron arrangement.
§  Clorine atom has an electron arrangement of 2.8.7.
§  The outermost shell needs one electron in order to achieve a stable octet electron arrangement.
§  Clorine atom contributes one valence electron while hydrogen atom contributes one valence electron for sharing.
§  A single covalent bond is formed.





Remarks:
§  The electrons must be drawn in the overlap of two shells.
§  Students may use Lewis structure in drawing the formation of covalent compound. ( Lewis structure only show the valence electrons)


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