Question

complete the blanks by answering the blanks for the indicated atoms in the molecule aspirin.
molecular geometry of carbon indicated by “a”____(0.75 pt)
bond angle around carbon indicated by “a”____(0.75 pt)
hybridization at a of carbon indicated by “a”____(0.75 pt)
molecular geometry of carbon indicated by “b”____(0.75 pt)
bond angle around carbon indicated by “b”____(0.75 pt)
hybridization at a of carbon indicated by “b”____(0.75 pt)
overall total number of sigma (σ) bonds in aspirin ____(0.75 pt)
overall total number of pi (π) bonds in aspirin ____(0.75 pt)

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze carbon - a

Carbon - a is bonded to four other atoms (three hydrogens and one carbon). Using VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory, the electron - pair geometry and molecular geometry around this carbon is tetrahedral. The bond angle around a tetrahedral - shaped carbon is approximately 109.5°. The hybridization of a carbon with four bonding regions is $sp^{3}$.

Step2: Analyze carbon - b

Carbon - b is double - bonded to an oxygen and single - bonded to a carbon and an oxygen. It has three bonding regions and no lone pairs. According to VSEPR theory, the electron - pair geometry and molecular geometry around this carbon is trigonal planar. The bond angle around a trigonal - planar shaped carbon is 120°. The hybridization of a carbon with three bonding regions is $sp^{2}$.

Step3: Count sigma and pi bonds

Single bonds are sigma bonds. Double bonds consist of one sigma and one pi bond. In aspirin, count all the single and double bonds. Each single bond is 1 sigma bond, and each double bond contributes 1 sigma and 1 pi bond. Counting all the bonds in the structure, there are 21 sigma bonds and 5 pi bonds.

Answer:

Molecular geometry of Carbon indicated by "a": Tetrahedral
Bond angle around Carbon indicated by "a": 109.5°
Hybridization at a of Carbon indicated by "a": $sp^{3}$
Molecular geometry of Carbon indicated by "b": Trigonal planar
Bond angle around Carbon indicated by "b": 120°
Hybridization at a of Carbon indicated by "b": $sp^{2}$
Overall total number of sigma (σ) bonds in Aspirin: 21
Overall total number of pi (π) bonds in Aspirin: 5