Multiple Choice
Which of the following correctly matches a compound with its molecular geometry?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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What is the molecular geometry of BrCl_3?
A
T-shaped
B
Trigonal pyramidal
C
Linear
D
Trigonal planar
Verified step by step guidance1
Determine the total number of valence electrons for BrCl_3. Bromine (Br) has 7 valence electrons, and each chlorine (Cl) atom has 7 valence electrons. Multiply the number of Cl atoms by 7 and add the 7 from Br to get the total.
Draw the Lewis structure by placing Br as the central atom and connecting it to the three Cl atoms with single bonds. Then, distribute the remaining electrons to satisfy the octet rule, placing lone pairs on the central atom if needed.
Count the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs around the central Br atom. Each Br–Cl bond counts as one bonding pair, and any remaining electrons on Br form lone pairs.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the molecular geometry. The electron pairs (bonding and lone pairs) around the central atom repel each other and arrange themselves to minimize repulsion.
Identify the shape based on the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs. For BrCl_3, with three bonding pairs and two lone pairs on Br, the molecular geometry corresponds to a T-shaped structure.
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