Multiple Choice
What is the electron geometry around the phosphorus atom in phosphorus pentachloride (PCl_5)?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Electron Geometry
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What is the electron geometry of SF_6?
A
Octahedral
B
Tetrahedral
C
Square planar
D
Trigonal bipyramidal
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule, which is sulfur (S) in SF_6.
Determine the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs around the central atom. In SF_6, sulfur forms six single bonds with six fluorine atoms and has no lone pairs.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the electron geometry. According to VSEPR, six bonding pairs with no lone pairs arrange themselves to minimize repulsion in an octahedral shape.
Recall that an octahedral electron geometry has bond angles of 90° between adjacent bonds and 180° between opposite bonds.
Conclude that the electron geometry of SF_6 is octahedral based on the arrangement of six bonding pairs around the sulfur atom.
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