Which of the following is not a correct statement?
Multiple bonds are always shorter than corresponding single bonds.
— Concept: This question tests fundamental concepts in chemical bonding, molecular geometry, bond length, and Lewis…Concept: This question tests fundamental concepts in chemical bonding, molecular geometry, bond length, and Lewis acid-base theory.
Why (A) is correct:
The statement "Every molecule does in fact have square pyramidal structure" is incorrect. While some molecules can have a square pyramidal structure (e.g., due to the presence of a lone pair on the central atom), the most common and stable geometry for an molecule with no lone pairs on the central atom is trigonal bipyramidal (e.g., ). The geometry depends on the number of lone pairs on the central atom as per VSEPR theory.
Option Analysis:
- A) Every molecule does in fact have square pyramidal structure. This is incorrect. molecules can have trigonal bipyramidal geometry (e.g., ) or square pyramidal geometry (e.g., ), depending on the presence of lone pairs.
- B) Multiple bonds are always shorter than corresponding single bonds. This is a correct statement. For example, C=C bond is shorter than C-C bond, and C≡C bond is shorter than C=C bond. Increased electron density between atoms pulls them closer.
- C) The electron deficient molecules act as Lewis acids. This is a correct statement. Lewis acids are electron pair acceptors. Electron-deficient molecules (like or ) have incomplete octets and can accept electron pairs.
- D) The canonical structures have no real existence. This is a correct statement. Canonical structures (or resonance structures) are hypothetical representations used to describe the delocalization of electrons in a molecule. The actual molecule is a resonance hybrid, which is an average of all canonical structures and does not oscillate between them.
Correct Answer: (A)
Multiple bonds are always shorter than corresponding single bonds.