Question

10.33 predict the shape or geometry of the following mol-ecules , using theVSEPR model

A). SiF₄

B). SF₂

C) CoF₂

D) PCl₃

Answer 1

Answer ) A) TETRAHEDRAL

B) BENT

C) TRIGONAL PLANAR

D) TRIGONAL PYRAMIDAL

Explanation

Step 1 : draw the electron dot structure

Step 2 : arrange all the groups around central central atom to minimise repulsion

Step3 : count the number of line pairs and the number of atoms bonded to Central metal atom.

Step 4 : use vsepr to predict geometry .

A) SiF4

Atoms bonded to central atom: 4

Lone pair electrons of central atom: 0 pairs

Shape of SiF₄ : TETRAHEDRAL because all 4 are bond pairs

B) SF2

Atoms bonded to central atom: 2

Lone pair electrons of central atom: 2 pairs (4 electrons total)

Shape of SF₂ : BENT because there are 2 lone pairs which makes the whole structure distorted into bent shape

C)COF2

Atoms bonded to central atom : 3

Lone pair electrons of central atom : 0

Shape of COF2 : TRIGONAL PLANAR

D)PCl3

Atoms bonded to central atom: 3

Lone pair electrons of central atom : 1

Shape of PCl3: TRIGONAL PYRAMIDAL due to lone pair present