Molecules and Models
Background Discussion:
Each element has a preferred number of bonds (shared electron pairs), although in ions, more
or less can form. Atoms combine with their preferred number of bonds to form molecules.
How the bonds and any unshared electrons arrange themselves around each atom causes
specific atomic and molecular shapes. Molecule shape is very important in real life
processes. Example, the fragrances lemon & pine are actually the same molecule with one
molecular “twist” to part of it. Today’s “experiment” is therefore to:

Learn a little about some real-life molecules 

See the molecule, read an interesting tidbit about the molecule, and draw the Lewis
structure from the molecule.

Identify the center(s) shapes and hybridizations of selected atoms
Special Precautions: None.
Experimental Procedure: (Reminder – meet in Hinton 16 aka classroom)
Today’s Experiment will have twelve stations (two identical sets of six (6)) around the lab.
They will be WELL MARKED with directions to the next station. Once you have
completed all six (6) of the sections in rotation, you may leave for the day and complete
your work and quiz at home.
For each molecule listed below,
Color Codes:
Carbon
Hydrogen
Oxygen
Nitrogen
Black
White
Red
Blue
Drawing Lewis structures from the molecule hint:
Make certain if there are two bonds between the
atoms, you draw a double bond!
1) For each compound, draw the Lewis Structure from the molecule model. Be prepared to
take & upload pictures of your drawings for selected ones on the quiz (you won’t have to
do them all).
2) Each structure will have three atoms marked with a WHITE DOT (no, not the hydrogens
and no, the hydrogens will not be one of the three atoms). Determine the electronic
shape, molecular shape, and hybridization for the marked atoms. If a carbon has one
dots, call it C # 1 and if a carbon had two dots, call it C # 2
3) The completed table is your data for the week. Be neat & accurate as your lab quiz
answers will depend on them!
Molecules & Model Data Sheet (you may print these pages )
Compound Name & Brief Description
Draw Lewis Structure below its name
Vanillin
Flavoring
E-Shape, M-Shape, &
Hybridization
C#1
C#2
O
Amphetamine
Central nervous system stimulant
C#1
C#2
N
Ascorbic acid
Vitamin C
C#1
C#2
O
L-lactic acid
Causes muscle cramps
C#1
C#2
O
Benzocaine
Topical anesthetic
C#1
C#2
N
(+) or (-) Citronellol
(+) = rose fragrance (-) = citrus fragrance
C#1
C#2
O
Dopamine
Lack gives you Parkinson’s
C
N
O
L-Dopa
Used to treat Parkinson’s
C
N
O
D-glucose
Blood sugar molecule
C#1
C#2
O
Allyl isocyanate
Found in horseradish & mustard
C#1
C#2
N
Theobromine
Main ingredient in chocolate
C
N#1
N#2
Fructose
Fruit sugar
C#1
C#2
O