Multiple Choice
Which of the following molecules does NOT have trigonal planar electron-pair geometry?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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Which of the following molecules has a central atom with trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry?
A
CH4
B
NH3
C
BF3
D
CO2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in each molecule and determine the number of bonded atoms and lone pairs around it.
Recall that trigonal pyramidal geometry occurs when the central atom has three bonded atoms and one lone pair, resulting in a shape similar to a pyramid with a triangular base.
For CH4 (methane), the central carbon atom has four bonded hydrogen atoms and no lone pairs, leading to a tetrahedral geometry, not trigonal pyramidal.
For NH3 (ammonia), the central nitrogen atom has three bonded hydrogen atoms and one lone pair, which fits the criteria for trigonal pyramidal geometry.
For BF3 and CO2, BF3 has three bonded atoms and no lone pairs on boron (trigonal planar), and CO2 has two bonded atoms and no lone pairs on carbon (linear), so neither has trigonal pyramidal geometry.
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