Delta Plus

Definition

Delta plus is a term used to describe the partial positive charge that can develop on an atom in a polar covalent bond. It is a result of the unequal sharing of electrons between atoms with different electronegativities, leading to an asymmetric distribution of electron density and the formation of a dipole moment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The delta plus (δ+) notation is used to indicate the partial positive charge that develops on an atom in a polar covalent bond.
2. The degree of delta plus charge on an atom is directly related to the difference in electronegativity between the bonded atoms.
3. Atoms with higher electronegativity values will have a greater delta plus charge compared to atoms with lower electronegativity values in the same bond.
4. The presence of delta plus charge on an atom can influence the reactivity and behavior of the molecule, as the partially positively charged region can attract and interact with other molecules or ions.
5. Understanding delta plus charge is crucial in predicting and explaining the polarity and reactivity of molecules, which is essential in organic chemistry.

Review Questions

• Explain how the concept of delta plus charge is related to the formation of polar covalent bonds.
  • The formation of a polar covalent bond is directly related to the concept of delta plus charge. When atoms with different electronegativities share electrons in a covalent bond, the electrons are not shared equally. The atom with higher electronegativity will have a greater pull on the shared electrons, resulting in a partial positive charge (delta plus) on the atom with lower electronegativity. This unequal distribution of electron density creates a dipole moment within the molecule, where one end is partially positively charged (delta plus) and the other end is partially negatively charged.
• Describe how the difference in electronegativity between bonded atoms affects the degree of delta plus charge.
  • The degree of delta plus charge on an atom in a polar covalent bond is directly proportional to the difference in electronegativity between the bonded atoms. The greater the difference in electronegativity, the more unequal the sharing of electrons, and the higher the delta plus charge on the atom with lower electronegativity. Atoms with a large electronegativity difference, such as hydrogen and fluorine, will have a more pronounced delta plus charge compared to atoms with a smaller electronegativity difference, such as carbon and hydrogen. Understanding this relationship is crucial for predicting the polarity and reactivity of molecules in organic chemistry.
• Analyze how the presence of delta plus charge on an atom can influence the reactivity and behavior of a molecule.
  • The presence of delta plus charge on an atom in a molecule can significantly influence its reactivity and behavior. The partially positively charged region created by the delta plus charge can attract and interact with other molecules or ions, particularly those with partial negative charges or lone pairs of electrons. This can lead to the formation of hydrogen bonds, dipole-dipole interactions, or other types of intermolecular forces that can impact the stability, solubility, and reactivity of the molecule. Additionally, the delta plus charge can influence the molecule's susceptibility to nucleophilic or electrophilic attack, as the partially positively charged region may serve as an electrophilic site. Understanding the implications of delta plus charge is essential for predicting and explaining the reactivity and properties of organic compounds.

Related terms

Polar Covalent Bond: A covalent bond in which the electrons are unequally shared between the bonded atoms, resulting in a partial positive and partial negative charge on the atoms.

Electronegativity: The ability of an atom to attract shared electrons in a chemical bond. Atoms with higher electronegativity values will have a greater pull on the shared electrons.

Dipole Moment: The separation of charge within a molecule, resulting in a partial positive and partial negative charge on opposite ends of the molecule.