Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry around each carbon atom in the molecule C_2H_2 (acetylene)?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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What is the molecular geometry of CHCl_3 (chloroform)?
A
Trigonal pyramidal
B
Trigonal planar
C
Bent
D
Tetrahedral
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in CHCl_3, which is carbon (C).
Determine the number of electron groups around the central atom. Carbon forms four single bonds (one with H and three with Cl atoms), so there are four bonding pairs and no lone pairs on carbon.
Recall that four bonding pairs around a central atom with no lone pairs correspond to a tetrahedral electron geometry according to VSEPR theory.
Understand that molecular geometry is based on the positions of atoms, and since all four positions are occupied by atoms (H and Cl), the molecular geometry is also tetrahedral.
Conclude that the molecular geometry of CHCl_3 is tetrahedral, not trigonal pyramidal, trigonal planar, or bent.
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