Chapter 23: Problem 8

What are the limitations of valence bond theory?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Valence Bond Theory has limitations such as difficulty explaining the tetravalency of carbon and the formation of multiple bonds, not explaining the shapes and sizes of molecules, not providing a quantitative interpretation of the thermodynamic or kinetic stability of a reaction, and not considering the concept of overlapping to be a universal event.

Step by step solution

Understanding the basics of Valence Bond Theory

Valence Bond Theory states that atoms create bonds to achieve stability, with the overlap of their half-filled atomic orbitals, sharing electrons between them. For example, in a hydrogen molecule, each atom's 1s orbital overlaps with each other, leading to the formation of a bond.

Identifying the limitations of Valence Bond Theory

Despite the insights provided by Valence Bond Theory, there are few limitations. The first limitation is that it has difficulty explaining the tetravalency of carbon and the formation of multiple bonds. Secondly, it does not explain the shapes and sizes of molecules and does not give a quantitative interpretation of the thermodynamic or kinetic stability of a reaction. Lastly, it does not consider the concept of overlapping to be a universal event.

Concluding the analysis

Considering all these points, it can be concluded that Valence Bond Theory, while providing a good foundation for understanding bond formation, does have limitations. It does not give complete insights into the nature of chemical bonds, failing to explain several key aspects of molecular structure and reactions completely or quantitively.

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What are the limitations of valence bond theory?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding the basics of Valence Bond Theory

Identifying the limitations of Valence Bond Theory

Concluding the analysis

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