A central atom with four single bonds and two lone pairs will exhibit which molecular geometry?

• A. Octahedral
• B. Tetrahedral
• C. Square planar
• D. Square pyramidal

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the electron domain geometry based on the number of regions of electron density around the central atom. Here, there are 4 single bonds and 2 lone pairs, totaling 6 regions of electron density.
2. Recall that 6 regions of electron density correspond to an octahedral electron domain geometry, where the electron pairs arrange themselves to minimize repulsion.
3. Determine the molecular geometry by considering the positions of the atoms only (ignoring lone pairs). Lone pairs occupy positions but are not visible in the molecular shape.
4. With 2 lone pairs in an octahedral arrangement, the molecular geometry changes. The possible shapes are square planar (2 lone pairs opposite each other) or square pyramidal (1 lone pair).
5. Since the problem states 2 lone pairs and 4 bonds, the molecular geometry is square planar, not square pyramidal. Therefore, the correct molecular geometry for 4 bonds and 2 lone pairs is square planar.