What is the molecular geometry of a molecule with four bonding domains and one nonbonding domain?

• A. Square pyramidal
• B. Trigonal bipyramidal
• C. Trigonal pyramidal
• D. See-saw

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the total number of electron domains around the central atom. In this case, there are four bonding domains and one nonbonding domain, making a total of five electron domains.
2. Determine the electron domain geometry based on the total number of electron domains. For five electron domains, the electron domain geometry is trigonal bipyramidal.
3. Consider the effect of the nonbonding (lone) pair on the molecular geometry. Lone pairs occupy space and influence the shape by repelling bonding pairs more strongly than bonding pairs repel each other.
4. Predict the molecular geometry by placing the lone pair in a position that minimizes repulsion. For five electron domains with one lone pair, the lone pair occupies an equatorial position, resulting in a square pyramidal molecular geometry.
5. Confirm that the molecular geometry is square pyramidal, which consists of a square base formed by four bonded atoms and one atom above the plane, with the lone pair occupying the equatorial position.