-
We detected your language preference as English. Would you like to switch to the English version for a better experience?
Switch to English
Stay here
The Bromite ion Lewis structure is Br–O single bond and Br–O double bond; the central Br has 4 electron domains (2 lone pairs), giving a tetrahedral electron-domain arrangement and a bent molecular geometry with a ≈104.5° bond angle. Br is best described as sp3-hybridized, and Bromite ion is polar because the bent shape (and/or unequal terminal atoms) prevents cancellation of the bond dipoles.
Figure 1: Lewis Structure of Bromite ion (BrO2-)
| Chemical Formula | BrO2- |
| CAS Number | 24168-19-0 |
| Net Charge | -1 |
| Total Valence Electrons | 20 |
| Lewis Structure | Br–O single bond and Br–O double bond |
| Electron-Domain Geometry | tetrahedral |
| Molecular Geometry | bent |
| Hybridization Model | sp3 (central Br) |
| Bond Angle | ≈104.5° |
| Polarity | Polar molecule |
In aqueous and process chemistry, BrO2- exists as the anion Bromite ion ion. It is encountered as a counterion and a controlled source of Br in salts, buffers, electrochemistry and analytical protocols, and as a reactant in syntheses that require a defined equivalent of Br-containing material.
To draw the Bromite ion Lewis structure we first count the total valence electrons. BrO2- contains 7 (Br) + 2×6 (O) − 1 (net anion); the net charge of -1 gives a total of 20 valence electrons to place.
The central atom is Br. It is the least electronegative atom capable of forming multiple bonds and is surrounded by the more electronegative terminal atom(s); hydrogen, when present, always occupies a terminal position. Electronegativity considerations place the electron density toward the terminal atom(s).
Total valence electrons = 7 (Br) + 2×6 (O) − 1 (net anion) = 20 electrons.
Place Br at the center and connect each surrounding atom with a single bond, complete octets on the terminal atoms, and place any remaining electrons on the central atom. The resulting electron distribution is: Br–O single bond and Br–O double bond; 2 lone pairs on Br.
Counting bonding and nonbonding electrons around Br therefore satisfies the octet/expanded-octet requirement for the drawn structure.
This species is best represented by resonance structures; the π bonding is delocalized over the equivalent terminal atom(s), so all Br–terminals bonds are equivalent in the resonance hybrid.
VSEPR theory states that the 4 electron domains around Br arrange to minimize mutual repulsion, giving an tetrahedral electron-domain geometry.
Because 2 of these domains are lone pair(s) — and lone pairs repel more strongly than bonding pairs — the observed molecular geometry is bent; the Br bond angle is set to ≈104.5° rather than the ideal value for the electron-domain geometry.
A useful VSEPR approximation is: lone pair–lone pair repulsion > lone pair–bonding pair repulsion > bonding pair–bonding pair repulsion. With 2 lone pair(s) on Br, the lone-pair domains occupy positions that minimize overall repulsion while pushing the bonding domains (and therefore the bonded atoms) closer together.
In the conventional localized-bond model, Br uses sp3 hybrid orbitals to form the 4 equivalent electron-domain directions (2 bonding + 2 lone pair).
Formal charge on central Br = V − N − ½B = 7 − 4 − ½×6 = 0. The preferred Lewis structure carries zero formal charge on the central atom (and on the terminals), so it is the dominant contributor.
Bromite ion is polar. The bent shape prevents cancellation of the bond dipoles. The bond dipoles do not cancel, leaving a net molecular dipole, which strongly influences solvation behavior and intermolecular interactions.
The decisive structural fact is not simply that the individual bonds are polar; it is whether molecular symmetry allows their vector sum to vanish. In Bromite ion the bent arrangement prevents cancellation, so a permanent dipole remains.
Interpretation consistent with standard VSEPR / molecular-geometry references.This polarity profile underpins its behavior as a solvent, reactant or process intermediate; when sourcing, specify grade and container compatibility.
| Species | Formula | Central Atom | Electron Domains | Molecular Geometry | Polarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bromite ion | BrO2- | Br | 4 | bent | Polar |
| Bromine trifluoride | BrF3 | Br | 5 | T-shaped | Polar |
| Hydrogen bromide | HBr | Br | 4 | linear (diatomic) | Polar |
Bromite ion is polar. Its bent geometry (and/or unequal terminal atoms) stops the bond dipoles from cancelling.
Br–O single bond and Br–O double bond; 2 lone pairs on Br. It uses all 20 valence electrons and the preferred structure carries zero formal charge on the central atom.
The Br angle is about ≈104.5°. Lone-pair repulsion compresses the angle from the ideal tetrahedral value.
The conventional model is sp3. Bromite ion has 4 electron domains around the central Br.
The CAS number is 24168-19-0. PubChem (CID 5460628) and NIST identify this with BrO2-; use it to locate suppliers and database records.
Technical scope: Lewis structures, VSEPR and hybridization are model-based descriptions for chemical communication and structure prediction; actual molecular electronic structure is more accurately represented by molecular-orbital and quantum-chemical methods. Commercial grades vary substantially by supplier and intended use; CAS 24168-19-0 identifies the substance, not a universal purity specification.
 |
 |
 |
EN
Agricultural News
Food News
Industrial News
Cosmetic News
Pharmaceutical News
Science News
