Multiple Choice
Which statement best describes the difference between electron geometry and molecular geometry?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Electron Geometry
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What is the electron geometry of SF_4?
A
Tetrahedral
B
Trigonal bipyramidal
C
Octahedral
D
Square planar
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in SF_4, which is sulfur (S).
Determine the total number of valence electrons around sulfur: sulfur has 6 valence electrons, and each fluorine contributes 7 electrons, but we focus on bonding pairs and lone pairs around sulfur.
Count the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs on sulfur. SF_4 has 4 bonding pairs (from the 4 fluorine atoms) and 1 lone pair on sulfur, making a total of 5 regions of electron density.
Use the VSEPR theory to determine the electron geometry based on 5 regions of electron density. According to VSEPR, 5 electron pairs arrange themselves in a trigonal bipyramidal geometry to minimize repulsion.
Conclude that the electron geometry of SF_4 is trigonal bipyramidal, even though the molecular shape (considering lone pairs) is seesaw.
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