Hybridization and prediction of equilibrium geometries in alkanes, alkylamines, alkanols and ethers

Abstract

In connection with the interpretation of directed valency in the theory of hybridization, a technique for using hybrids determined according to the optimization criterion of Del Re for predicting geometries is proposed and applied. The results accurately reproduce bond angles and changes caused by methyl-substitutions, and show that bonds are not bent even in the most “crowded” open-chain molecules. For example, CCC and CNC angles in isopropane and trimethylamine are predicted to be smaller than the corresponding angles in propane and dimethylamine, in agreement with experimental findings.