Maximum Coordination Number of Oxygen in Liquid Water

In liquid water, the maximum coordination number of oxygen is 4. Coordination number refers to the number of atoms or ions surrounding a central atom in a complex or molecule.

Explanation:

1. Molecular Structure of Water
Water (H2O) is a polar molecule that consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to a central oxygen atom. The molecular structure of water is bent or V-shaped, with an oxygen atom in the center and the two hydrogen atoms forming a bond with it. The bond angle between the two hydrogen atoms is approximately 104.5 degrees.

2. Hydrogen Bonding in Water
In liquid water, the oxygen atom is capable of forming hydrogen bonds with neighboring water molecules. A hydrogen bond is a relatively weak electrostatic attraction between a partially positive hydrogen atom and a highly electronegative atom, such as oxygen or nitrogen.

3. Maximum Coordination Number
The maximum coordination number of oxygen in liquid water is 4. This means that each oxygen atom can form hydrogen bonds with up to four neighboring water molecules.

4. Hydrogen Bonding Geometry
The geometry of hydrogen bonding in water gives rise to a unique arrangement known as a tetrahedral network. In this network, each oxygen atom is at the center of a tetrahedron, with the four neighboring hydrogen atoms from different water molecules at the vertices.

5. Explanation of Coordination Number 4
The coordination number of 4 for oxygen in liquid water arises from the ability of the oxygen atom to accept two hydrogen bonds and donate two hydrogen bonds. Each oxygen atom can accept two hydrogen bonds from two neighboring water molecules by attracting the hydrogen atoms towards it. At the same time, it can donate two hydrogen bonds by sharing its own hydrogen atoms with two other oxygen atoms.

6. Importance of Maximum Coordination Number
The maximum coordination number of oxygen in liquid water is crucial for the unique properties of water. It allows for the formation of a network of hydrogen bonds, which gives water its high boiling point, high heat capacity, and unique solvent properties. These properties are essential for various biological and chemical processes that occur in aqueous environments.