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AP Chemistry · Chapter 2 of 9

Molecular and Ionic Compound Structure and Properties

Use bonding models to predict molecular shape, polarity, and intermolecular forces, then connect those to physical behavior.

Why this chapter matters

Structure at the bonding level determines reactivity, phase behavior, solubility, and material properties.

What you will learn

  • Represent ionic and covalent compounds with Lewis structures and formal charge reasoning.
  • Use VSEPR and hybridization ideas to predict molecular geometry and bond angles.
  • Relate intermolecular forces to boiling point, volatility, and solubility trends.

Lessons in this chapter

  1. Ionic, covalent, and metallic bondingDistinguish bonding types and resulting structural models for solids and molecules.
  2. Lewis structures and formal chargeBuild valid electron-dot structures and choose plausible resonance contributors.
  3. Molecular geometry and polarityPredict shape and net dipole from electron domains and molecular symmetry.
  4. Intermolecular forces and propertiesUse LDF, dipole-dipole, and hydrogen bonding to explain property differences.

Study task

For CO2, NH3, and H2O, draw Lewis structures, predict geometry and polarity, then rank expected boiling points with justification.

Chapter checkpoint

What are the electron-domain geometry, molecular geometry, and polarity of CO2?

CO2 has 2 electron domains around carbon, so electron-domain geometry is linear. Molecular geometry is linear (180 degrees), and the molecule is nonpolar because bond dipoles cancel.