What is the approximate H—C—H bond angle in CH3^+?

1 Answer
Dr. Hayek
Nov 15, 2015

The #H-C-H# bond angle is #120^@#.

Explanation:

The carbon atom in the ion #color(blue)(CH_3^+)# is #color(red)(sp^2)# hybridized carbon and therefore, the geometry around this atom is trigonal planar. In this case, the #H-C-H# bond angle is #color(blue)(120^@)#.

However, the carbon atom in #color(green)(CH_4)# is #color(purple)(sp^3)# hybridized carbon and therefore, the geometry around this atom is tetrahedral. In this case, the #H-C-H# bond angle is #color(green)(109.5^@)#.

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