Unit 1 – Chemical Bonding – Investigation 3.1
2012
Molecular Models
Chemists use molecular models to explain and predict molecular structure, relating structures to the
properties and reactions of substances.
Purpose
The purpose of this investigation is to test the ability of bonding theory to explain some know chemical
reactions by using molecular models.
Problem
How can theory, represented by molecular models, explain the following series of chemical reactions
that have been studied in a laboratory?
A)
B)
C)
D)
E)
CH4 + Cl2 → CH3Cl + HCl
C2H4 + Cl2 → C2H4Cl2
N2H4 + O2 → N2 + 2 H2O
CH3CH2CH2OH → CH3CHCH2 + H2O
HCOOH + CH3OH → HCOOCH3 + H2O
Materials
Molecular model kit
Camera
Procedure
1. For reaction (a), construct a model for each reactant; record the structures in your notebook.
2. Rearrange the reactant models to produce structural models of the products, recording the new
structures in your notebook.
3. Take a picture of both the reactants and products.
4. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each chemical reaction.
TO DO:



Do lab
Demonstrate evidence and work
Analyze evidence and work (meaning answer the problem using the evidence you acquired)