Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of germanium disulfide (GeS_2)?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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Which molecular geometry is expected for CH3Cl (chloromethane)?
A
Tetrahedral
B
Trigonal planar
C
Linear
D
Trigonal pyramidal
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in CH3Cl, which is carbon (C).
Count the number of atoms bonded to the central carbon atom. In CH3Cl, carbon is bonded to three hydrogen atoms and one chlorine atom, making a total of four bonded atoms.
Determine the number of lone pairs on the central atom. Carbon typically has no lone pairs when forming four single bonds.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the molecular geometry. With four bonded atoms and no lone pairs, the electron pairs arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, resulting in a tetrahedral shape.
Conclude that the molecular geometry of CH3Cl is tetrahedral, as the four substituents around carbon are positioned at the corners of a tetrahedron.
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