Which of the following is the approximate bond angle found in germanium disulfide (GeS2)?

• A. 90°
• B. 109.5°
• C. 120°
• D. 104.5°

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the molecular geometry of germanium disulfide (GeS\_2). GeS\_2 typically has a central germanium atom bonded to two sulfur atoms, and the molecule is often considered to have a linear or bent shape depending on the presence of lone pairs.
2. Determine the electron domain geometry around the central atom. Germanium in GeS\_2 is bonded to two sulfur atoms and may have lone pairs affecting the shape. Count the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs to find the electron geometry.
3. Recall that bond angles depend on the molecular geometry: linear molecules have bond angles of 180°, tetrahedral molecules have bond angles of approximately 109.5°, trigonal planar molecules have bond angles of approximately 120°, and bent molecules have bond angles less than 120° or 109.5° depending on the electron domains.
4. Since GeS\_2 has two double bonds to sulfur atoms and no lone pairs on germanium, the molecule adopts a trigonal planar electron geometry, which corresponds to bond angles close to 120°.
5. Conclude that the approximate bond angle in GeS\_2 is 120°, consistent with the trigonal planar arrangement of atoms around the central germanium atom.