Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of BF_3?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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What is the molecular geometry of carbon tetrachloride (CCl_4)?
A
Trigonal planar
B
Trigonal pyramidal
C
Bent
D
Tetrahedral
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule, which is carbon (C) in carbon tetrachloride (CCl_4).
Determine the number of atoms bonded to the central atom and the number of lone pairs on the central atom. Carbon forms four single bonds with four chlorine atoms and has no lone pairs.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the molecular geometry. Since there are four bonding pairs and no lone pairs, the electron pairs will arrange themselves to minimize repulsion.
According to VSEPR theory, four bonding pairs around a central atom with no lone pairs adopt a tetrahedral geometry to maximize the distance between electron pairs.
Conclude that the molecular geometry of CCl_4 is tetrahedral, not trigonal planar, trigonal pyramidal, or bent.
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