Multiple Choice
What is the electron geometry of BF_3?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Electron Geometry
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What is the electron geometry of BCl_3?
A
Trigonal planar
B
Bent
C
Linear
D
Tetrahedral
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule, which is boron (B) in BCl_3.
Determine the number of valence electrons around the central atom. Boron has 3 valence electrons, and each chlorine atom contributes one electron for bonding.
Draw the Lewis structure of BCl_3, showing boron bonded to three chlorine atoms with single bonds and no lone pairs on boron.
Count the regions of electron density (bonding and lone pairs) around the central atom. In BCl_3, there are three bonding pairs and zero lone pairs.
Use the VSEPR theory to predict the electron geometry based on the number of electron density regions. Three regions with no lone pairs correspond to a trigonal planar electron geometry.
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