In both water and dimethyl ether (CH3 —Ο — CH3 ),

Question:

In both water and dimethyl ether (CH3 —Ο — CH3 ), the oxygen atom is the central atom and has the same hybridization, yet they have different bond angles. Which one has a greater bond angle? Give reason.

Solution:

Dimethyl ether will have a greater bond angle. There will be more repulsion between bond pairs of CH3 groups attached in ether than between bond pairs of hydrogen

atoms attached to oxygen in the water.

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