Which electron geometry is consistent with a molecular geometry of trigonal pyramidal?

• A. Trigonal planar
• B. Octahedral
• C. Tetrahedral
• D. Linear

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that molecular geometry describes the arrangement of atoms around the central atom, while electron geometry considers both bonding and lone pairs of electrons around the central atom.
2. Identify the molecular geometry given: trigonal pyramidal. This shape typically arises when there are three bonded atoms and one lone pair on the central atom.
3. Understand that the electron geometry must account for all electron groups (bonding and lone pairs). For trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry, there are four electron groups in total.
4. Recognize that four electron groups correspond to a tetrahedral electron geometry, because tetrahedral geometry arranges four electron pairs as far apart as possible.
5. Conclude that the electron geometry consistent with a trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry is tetrahedral.