Basic Molecular Modelling - The three dimensional arrangement of atoms The three dimensional arrangement of atoms The geometry around any atom is dependent upon the number of bonds to other atoms and upon the number of lone pairs of electrons attached to it. Molecular modellers' most accurate work is done on organic compounds, where carbon is the key atom. It has sp hybridization of the carbon atoms. The acetylene molecule is like a straight rod. The carbon atoms are sp 2 hybridized.
Ethylene is a planar molecule.
The four substituents attached to the carbon atom are arranged in a tetrahedron around it. The carbon atoms are sp 3 hybridized. Ethane is not a planar molecule. Next For more information, contact Margaret Wong .