What is the measurement of $C-O-C$ bond angle in methoxymethane? |
108° 111.7° 90° 60° |
111.7° |
The correct answer is Option (2) → 111.7° Methoxymethane (dimethyl ether, CH₃–O–CH₃) contains an oxygen atom bonded to two carbon atoms and having two lone pairs. Hybridisation of oxygen = sp³ So ideal tetrahedral angle = 109.5° But actual angle depends on electron pair repulsion. Lone pair–bond pair repulsion > bond pair–bond pair repulsion Due to repulsion between lone pairs and bond pairs, the bond angle slightly deviates from the ideal tetrahedral angle (109.5°). Hence bond angle increases. Option 1: 108° - This is close to tetrahedral angle but ignores lone pair repulsion effect. Actual angle is larger due to lone pairs. Option 2: 111.7° Correct. Two lone pairs on oxygen increase repulsion between bonding pairs, expanding the bond angle beyond 109.5°. Option 3: 90° - Too small. Such angles occur in square planar geometry, not tetrahedral. Option 4: 60° -Unrealistically small for sp³ hybridisation. |