Tetrahedral Geometry and the Dipole Moment of Molecules

Abstract

We have made a short and simple derivation of the bond angle in tetrahedral compounds. It is based on the knowledge of the permanent dipole moment of molecules. We use geometry, projections, trigonometry, and the bond and dipole moments. We have developed a detailed classroom methodology. We calculate the bond angle of symmetric tetrahedral molecules, where the dipole moment is zero. Afterward, we calculate angles and bond moments in molecules like ammonia and chloromethane.