Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of SCl_2?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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Which of the following best describes the molecular geometry of OF2 (oxygen difluoride)?
A
Trigonal planar
B
Tetrahedral
C
Bent
D
Linear
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule OF2, which is oxygen (O).
Determine the number of valence electrons around the central atom. Oxygen has 6 valence electrons, and each fluorine contributes 7 valence electrons, but focus on the electrons around oxygen for geometry.
Draw the Lewis structure of OF2: oxygen is bonded to two fluorine atoms and has lone pairs. Count the bonding pairs and lone pairs on oxygen.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the molecular geometry. The electron pairs (bonding and lone pairs) around oxygen will repel each other and arrange to minimize repulsion.
Since oxygen has two bonding pairs and two lone pairs, the molecular geometry is bent (or angular), not linear, trigonal planar, or tetrahedral.
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