Q
QuestionChemistry

What is the molecular geometry of the BF^4 -?
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Answer

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Step 1:
: Determine the central atom and its number of electron groups.

The central atom in BF$_4^-$ is B (boron).
It has 4 electron groups around it, including the 4 bonding pairs it shares with the fluorine atoms.

Step 2:
: Apply the electron group geometry formula.

The electron group geometry for an atom with 4 electron groups is tetrahedral.

Step 3:
: Deduce the molecular geometry.

Since all 4 electron groups are bonding pairs (no lone pairs), the molecular geometry is also tetrahedral.

Step 4:
: Verify the molecular geometry with a drawing or model.

This is the molecular geometry of BF$_4^-$.
Imagine a tetrahedron with the central boron atom at the center and the four fluorine atoms at the vertices.

Final Answer

The molecular geometry of BF$_4^-$ is tetrahedral.