Geometry prediction using Microsoft Excel

CHED 437

Ray A. Gross Jr., rgross@pgcc.edu, Department of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Prince George's Community College, 301 Largo Road, Largo, MD 20774-2199
The use of an Excel spreadsheet for predicting geometries will be described and demonstrated. It predicts geometries, ranging from linear to octahedral, of chemical species encountered in first-year general chemistry. Accurate predictions are made for species comprised of covalently bonded, main-group elements. Predictions of their geometries rely on two methods, which will be explained. A user enters the molecular formula of the species (i.e., compound, cation, anion or radical) and the program returns the hybridization of the central atom and the geometry of the species. It also characterizes the central atom by displaying the number of ligands, the number of hybrid orbitals, and the number of lone pairs of electrons it possesses, if any. Hyperlinks to ChemDraw orbital models displaying specific geometries and to Chime models enhance the usefulness of the tool for classroom use.