IB Chemistry Sub-topic S2.2 Definitions

This page contains our IB Chemistry definitions for sub-topic S2.2. By learning each one of these definitions, you will fully cover the content for IB Chemistry 'Further covalent bonding'.
HL
electron delocalizatoin

The ability of a molecule to share electrons between multiple atoms due to aligned p-orbitals

electron domain

The number of bonding and non-bonding pairs of electrons

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hybridization

The mixing of bonding orbitals depending on the number of electron domains

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radical

Atom with a lone electron, making it highly reactive

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radical species

Atoms with a lone electron, making them highly reactive

resonance hybrids

A molecule that has more than one correct lewis structure

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π-bond

The sideways overlap of two p-orbitals resulting in an electron density lying above and below the internuclear axis

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σ-bond

The direct head-on overlap of two orbitals resulting in an electron density lying along the internuclear axis that forms a single bond

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