Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the approximate bond angle between adjacent equatorial atoms in a molecule with square pyramidal geometry?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
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Determine the molecular geometry for the following molecule:SeH2Cl2
A
T-shaped
B
Seesaw
C
Square pyramidal
D
Square planar
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule. In SeH2Cl2, the central atom is selenium (Se).
Determine the total number of valence electrons for the molecule. Selenium has 6 valence electrons, each hydrogen has 1, and each chlorine has 7. Calculate the total: 6 (Se) + 2*1 (H) + 2*7 (Cl).
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the molecular geometry. Count the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs around the central atom. SeH2Cl2 has 4 bonding pairs and 1 lone pair.
Based on the VSEPR theory, a molecule with 4 bonding pairs and 1 lone pair around the central atom adopts a 'seesaw' shape. This is because the lone pair occupies one of the equatorial positions in a trigonal bipyramidal arrangement, causing the remaining atoms to form a seesaw shape.
Verify the molecular geometry by considering the positions of the atoms and lone pairs. The lone pair on selenium will repel the bonding pairs, leading to the seesaw geometry, which is consistent with the VSEPR model for this electron arrangement.
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