Multiple Choice
Which statement best describes the difference between electron geometry and molecular geometry in a molecule?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Electron Geometry
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What is the electron geometry of BrF_5?
A
Tetrahedral
B
Square pyramidal
C
Trigonal bipyramidal
D
Octahedral
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom and count the total number of electron domains (bonding and lone pairs) around it. For BrF_5, bromine (Br) is the central atom bonded to five fluorine (F) atoms.
Determine the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs on the central atom. Bromine has 7 valence electrons, and it forms 5 bonds with fluorine atoms, so it has 1 lone pair remaining.
Calculate the total electron domains: 5 bonding pairs + 1 lone pair = 6 electron domains around bromine.
Use the VSEPR theory to find the electron geometry based on 6 electron domains. Six electron domains correspond to an octahedral electron geometry.
Recognize that while the electron geometry is octahedral, the molecular shape (considering the lone pair) is square pyramidal, but the question specifically asks for electron geometry.
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