Multiple Choice
What is the electron geometry around the oxygen atom in a water (H2O) molecule?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Electron Geometry
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What is the electron geometry of BF_3?
A
Trigonal planar
B
Linear
C
Bent
D
Tetrahedral
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule BF_3, which is boron (B).
Determine the number of valence electrons around the central atom. Boron has 3 valence electrons, and each fluorine atom contributes 1 electron for bonding, making a total of 3 bonding pairs.
Count the number of regions of electron density (bonding and lone pairs) around the central atom. In BF_3, there are 3 bonding pairs and no lone pairs on boron.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the electron geometry. Three regions of electron density with no lone pairs arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, resulting in a trigonal planar geometry.
Conclude that the electron geometry of BF_3 is trigonal planar, which corresponds to bond angles of approximately 120 degrees.
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