Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
What word or two-word phrase best describes the shape of the phosgene () molecule?
A
Trigonal planar
B
Bent
C
Tetrahedral
D
Linear
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the central atom in the phosgene molecule, which is carbon (C).
Determine the number of regions of electron density (bonding and lone pairs) around the central carbon atom. In phosgene (COCl\_2), carbon is bonded to one oxygen and two chlorine atoms, with no lone pairs on carbon.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the molecular geometry based on the number of electron regions. Three regions of electron density around carbon correspond to a trigonal planar electron geometry.
Since there are no lone pairs on the central atom, the molecular shape matches the electron geometry, which is trigonal planar.
Conclude that the shape of the phosgene molecule is best described as trigonal planar.