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Citation: Rui Li, Jiayu Zhang, Anyang Li. Two Levels of Understanding of Chemical Bonds: a Case of the Bonding Model of Hypervalent Molecules[J]. University Chemistry, ;2024, 39(2): 392-398. doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX202308051 shu

Two Levels of Understanding of Chemical Bonds: a Case of the Bonding Model of Hypervalent Molecules

National Demonstration Center for Experimental Chemistry Education(Northwest University), College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China

Corresponding author: Anyang Li, liay@nwu.edu.cn
Received Date: 10 August 2023

Chemical bonding is one of the core concepts in the whole field of chemistry and provides a very effective way of communication. It must be clear that chemical bonds are not real, they are artificially abstracted concepts. To accurately describe chemical bonding, various models or theories have been proposed throughout history. The most widely used models are the electron-pair bonding model and hybrid orbital theory. However, the rules of thumb have their limitations, as evident in the explanation of hypervalent molecules. We suggest that in teaching, hypervalent molecules should be used as examples to explicitly point out the shortcomings of empirical rules in describing chemical bonding to younger students. In another hand, molecular orbital theory or modern valence bond theory can be used on bonding analysis for senior students. It is expected that students maintain an open-minded attitude towards the behavior of chemical bonding and cultivate spirit of scientific inquiry.
- Chemical bond,
- Hypervalent molecule,
- Rule of thumb,
- Bonding analysis
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