Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of a molecule with three outer atoms and one lone pair on the central atom?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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What is the molecular geometry of SF_6?
A
Trigonal bipyramidal
B
Octahedral
C
Square planar
D
Tetrahedral
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom and the number of valence electrons it has. For SF_6, sulfur (S) is the central atom, and it has 6 valence electrons.
Determine the number of bonding pairs around the central atom. SF_6 has six fluorine atoms bonded to sulfur, so there are 6 bonding pairs.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the molecular geometry. Since there are 6 bonding pairs and no lone pairs on the central atom, the electron pairs will arrange themselves to minimize repulsion.
Recall that 6 bonding pairs around a central atom arrange themselves in an octahedral geometry to minimize repulsion, with bond angles of 90° between adjacent bonds.
Conclude that the molecular geometry of SF_6 is octahedral, not trigonal bipyramidal, square planar, or tetrahedral.
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