Rabbit-Ears Hybrids, VSEPR Sterics, and Other Orbital Anachronisms

Autor/inn/en	Clauss, Allen D.; Nelsen, Stephen F.; Ayoub, Mohamed; Moore, John W.; Landis, Clark R.; Weinhold, Frank
Titel	Rabbit-Ears Hybrids, VSEPR Sterics, and Other Orbital Anachronisms
Quelle	In: Chemistry Education Research and Practice, 15 (2014) 4, S.417-434 (18 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1756-1108
DOI	10.1039/c4rp00057a
Schlagwörter	College Freshmen; College Science; Chemistry; Textbook Evaluation; Textbook Content; Content Analysis; Scientific Concepts; Misconceptions; Error Patterns; Evidence; Accuracy; Theories; Molecular Structure; Science Instruction; Water + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Studienanfänger; Chemie; Lehrbuchtext; Inhaltsanalyse; Missverständnis; Fehlertyp; Evidenz; Theory; Theorie; Teaching of science; Science education; Natural sciences Lessons; Naturwissenschaftlicher Unterricht; Wasser
Abstract	We describe the logical flaws, experimental contradictions, and unfortunate educational repercussions of common student misconceptions regarding the shapes and properties of lone pairs, inspired by overemphasis on ''valence shell electron pair repulsion'' (VSEPR) rationalizations in current freshmanlevel chemistry textbooks. VSEPR-style representations of orbital shape and size are shown to be fundamentally inconsistent with numerous lines of experimental and theoretical evidence, including quantum mechanical ''symmetry'' principles that are sometimes invoked in their defense. VSEPR-style conceptions thereby detract from more accurate introductory-level teaching of orbital hybridization and bonding principles, while also requiring wasteful ''unlearning'' as the student progresses to higher levels. We include specific suggestions for how VSEPR-style rationalizations of molecular structure can be replaced with more accurate conceptions of hybridization and its relationship to electronegativity and molecular geometry, in accordance both with Bent's rule and the consistent features of modern wavefunctions as exhibited by natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Royal Society of Chemistry. Thomas Graham House, Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WF, UK. Tel: +44-1223 420066; Fax: +44-1223 423623; e-mail: cerp@rsc.org; Web site: http://www.rsc.org/cerp
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01