Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct number of valence electrons for the neutral compound SiF4, and which Lewis structure best represents it?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
Multiple Choice
Which molecular geometry is predicted by the VSEPR model for the neutral compound CCl_4?
A
Square planar
B
Trigonal planar
C
Tetrahedral
D
Octahedral
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule, which is carbon (C) in CCl_4.
Determine the number of electron groups around the central atom. Carbon forms four single bonds with chlorine atoms, so there are four bonding pairs and no lone pairs on carbon.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) model to predict the geometry. Four bonding pairs around the central atom arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, which corresponds to a tetrahedral shape.
Recall that a tetrahedral geometry has bond angles of approximately 109.5° and is characterized by four substituents symmetrically spaced around the central atom.
Conclude that the molecular geometry of CCl_4 predicted by VSEPR is tetrahedral, not square planar, trigonal planar, or octahedral.
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