Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of the OCN- (cyanate) ion?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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What is the molecular geometry of CCl_4?
A
Trigonal pyramidal
B
Bent
C
Trigonal planar
D
Tetrahedral
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule CCl_4, which is carbon (C).
Determine the number of valence electrons around the central atom. Carbon has 4 valence electrons, and each chlorine atom contributes 1 electron for bonding, totaling 4 bonds.
Use the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory to predict the shape. Since there are 4 bonding pairs and no lone pairs on the central atom, the electron pairs will arrange themselves to minimize repulsion.
According to VSEPR theory, 4 bonding pairs with no lone pairs around the central atom arrange in a tetrahedral geometry to maximize the distance between them.
Conclude that the molecular geometry of CCl_4 is tetrahedral, not trigonal pyramidal, bent, or trigonal planar.
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