Chemistry: Atoms First (2nd Edition)

Published by Cengage Learning
ISBN 10: 1305079248
ISBN 13: 978-1-30507-924-3

Chapter 4 - Exercises - Page 197d: 52

Answer

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Work Step by Step

No, the hydrogen atoms in the allene molecule do not have to lie in the same plane. The allene molecule (H2C=C=CH2) has a linear structure, with the central carbon atom connected to two terminal carbon atoms. The two hydrogen atoms attached to each terminal carbon atom can be oriented in different spatial arrangements. The possible spatial relationships of the hydrogen atoms in the allene molecule are: 1. Coplanar: The hydrogen atoms can be arranged in the same plane as the central carbon-carbon double bonds. In this case, all the atoms would lie in the same plane. 2. Non-coplanar: The hydrogen atoms can be oriented in a non-coplanar arrangement, meaning they are not all in the same plane. This is the more common and stable configuration for the allene molecule. The non-coplanar arrangement of the hydrogen atoms in the allene molecule is due to the minimization of steric interactions between the hydrogen atoms. By adopting a non-coplanar orientation, the hydrogen atoms can be positioned further apart, reducing the repulsive forces between them and resulting in a more stable molecular structure. Therefore, the hydrogen atoms in the allene molecule are not required to lie in the same plane, and their spatial relationship is typically non-coplanar to minimize steric interactions and achieve a more stable molecular configuration.
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