Multiple Choice
What is the electron geometry for a molecule with three regions of high electron density (rheds) surrounding the central atom?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Electron Geometry
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What is the electron geometry of SeF_6?
A
Trigonal bipyramidal
B
Square planar
C
Tetrahedral
D
Octahedral
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom and the atoms bonded to it. In SeF_6, selenium (Se) is the central atom bonded to six fluorine (F) atoms.
Determine the number of electron domains around the central atom. Each Se-F bond counts as one electron domain, so there are 6 electron domains around Se.
Recall that the electron geometry depends on the number of electron domains. For 6 electron domains, the electron geometry is octahedral.
Confirm that there are no lone pairs on the central atom that would alter the electron geometry. Selenium in SeF_6 has no lone pairs, so the electron geometry remains octahedral.
Conclude that the electron geometry of SeF_6 is octahedral, which corresponds to six bonding pairs arranged symmetrically around the central atom.
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