Multiple Choice
Which of the following factors most directly affects the shape of a molecule?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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What is the molecular geometry of BF_3?
A
Tetrahedral
B
Trigonal pyramidal
C
Bent
D
Trigonal planar
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.
Draw the Lewis structure of BF_3, showing boron bonded to three fluorine atoms with single bonds and no lone pairs on boron.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the molecular geometry. Since there are three bonding pairs and no lone pairs on the central atom, the electron pairs will arrange themselves to minimize repulsion.
Conclude that the molecular geometry is trigonal planar because the three bonding pairs are spaced evenly at 120° angles around the boron atom.
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