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Multiple Choice
After drawing the Lewis structure of dichlorodifluoromethane (CCl2F2), what is the molecular shape around the central carbon atom?
A
Bent
B
Tetrahedral
C
Trigonal planar
D
Linear
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the central atom in dichlorodifluoromethane (CCl2F2), which is carbon (C).
Draw the Lewis structure by placing the carbon atom in the center and connecting it to two chlorine (Cl) atoms and two fluorine (F) atoms with single bonds.
Count the number of regions of electron density (bonding pairs and lone pairs) around the central carbon atom. Since carbon forms four single bonds and has no lone pairs, there are four regions of electron density.
Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to determine the molecular geometry. Four regions of electron density around a central atom with no lone pairs arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, resulting in a tetrahedral shape.
Conclude that the molecular shape around the central carbon atom in CCl2F2 is tetrahedral.