Multiple Choice
Which of the following molecular geometries best represents the predicted shape of a molecule of H_2S?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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What is the molecular geometry of POCl_3?
A
Trigonal planar
B
Trigonal pyramidal
C
Square planar
D
Tetrahedral
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in POCl_3, which is phosphorus (P).
Determine the number of valence electrons around the central atom. Phosphorus has 5 valence electrons, oxygen contributes 6, and each chlorine contributes 7, but focus on the central atom's bonding and lone pairs.
Draw the Lewis structure of POCl_3, showing phosphorus bonded to one oxygen atom and three chlorine atoms. Check for any lone pairs on the phosphorus atom.
Count the regions of electron density (bonding and lone pairs) around the phosphorus atom. In POCl_3, phosphorus is bonded to four atoms and has no lone pairs, resulting in four regions of electron density.
Use VSEPR theory to determine the molecular geometry based on the four regions of electron density around phosphorus. Four bonding pairs with no lone pairs correspond to a tetrahedral geometry.
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