Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the molecular geometry of CH2O (formaldehyde)?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of OF2?
A
Tetrahedral
B
Bent
C
Linear
D
Trigonal planar
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Determine the Lewis structure of OF2 by counting the total valence electrons. Oxygen has 6 valence electrons, and each fluorine has 7, so total valence electrons = 6 + 2 × 7 = 20 electrons.
Step 2: Draw the skeletal structure with oxygen as the central atom bonded to two fluorine atoms. Place single bonds between oxygen and each fluorine, using 4 electrons (2 bonds × 2 electrons each).
Step 3: Distribute the remaining electrons to complete the octets of the fluorine atoms first, then place any leftover electrons on the central oxygen atom as lone pairs.
Step 4: Count the regions of electron density (bonding and lone pairs) around the central oxygen atom. Oxygen has two bonding pairs (to fluorines) and two lone pairs, totaling four regions of electron density.
Step 5: Use VSEPR theory to predict the molecular geometry. Four regions of electron density correspond to a tetrahedral electron geometry, but because two are lone pairs, the molecular shape is bent (angular).
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