Which statement correctly describes a molecule that has a trigonal pyramidal molecular shape?

• A. It has four bonding pairs and no lone pairs on the central atom.
• B. It has three bonding pairs and no lone pairs on the central atom.
• C. It has three bonding pairs and one lone pair on the central atom.
• D. It has two bonding pairs and two lone pairs on the central atom.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the molecular shape depends on the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs around the central atom, according to the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory.
2. Identify that a trigonal pyramidal shape arises when there are three bonding pairs and one lone pair on the central atom. The lone pair repels the bonding pairs, causing the molecule to adopt a pyramidal shape rather than a flat trigonal planar shape.
3. Understand that if there were four bonding pairs and no lone pairs, the shape would be tetrahedral, not trigonal pyramidal.
4. Recognize that three bonding pairs with no lone pairs would give a trigonal planar shape, which is flat, not pyramidal.
5. Note that two bonding pairs and two lone pairs would result in a bent or angular shape, not trigonal pyramidal.