Multiple Choice
What is the electron geometry of SF_4?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Electron Geometry
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What is the electron geometry of BBr_3?
A
Linear
B
Trigonal planar
C
Tetrahedral
D
Trigonal pyramidal
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule, which is boron (B) in BBr_3.
Determine the number of valence electrons around the central atom. Boron has 3 valence electrons, and each bromine atom contributes one electron for bonding.
Count the number of regions of electron density (bonding and lone pairs) around the central atom. In BBr_3, there are three bonding pairs and no lone pairs on boron.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the electron geometry. Three regions of electron density with no lone pairs arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, resulting in a trigonal planar geometry.
Conclude that the electron geometry of BBr_3 is trigonal planar, not linear, tetrahedral, or trigonal pyramidal.
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