Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the molecular geometry of the BF3 molecule?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Molecular Geometry
Multiple Choice
What is the molecular geometry of a molecule with 5 outer atoms and 1 lone pair on the central atom?
A
Square pyramidal
B
T-shaped
C
Octahedral
D
Trigonal bipyramidal
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the total number of electron groups around the central atom. Here, there are 5 outer atoms (bonding pairs) and 1 lone pair, making a total of 6 electron groups.
Recall that 6 electron groups around a central atom correspond to an octahedral electron geometry, which arranges the groups to minimize repulsion.
Consider the effect of the lone pair on the molecular shape. Lone pairs occupy space and repel bonding pairs more strongly, which alters the shape from the ideal octahedral geometry.
Determine the molecular geometry by removing the lone pair from the octahedral arrangement. With 5 bonding pairs and 1 lone pair, the shape becomes square pyramidal, where the 5 atoms form a square base and one atom is above the plane.
Compare the options given: square pyramidal matches the molecular geometry for 5 bonded atoms and 1 lone pair, while T-shaped, octahedral, and trigonal bipyramidal correspond to different numbers or arrangements of electron groups.
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