CramX Logo

Q
QuestionChemistry

Determine the electron geometry (EG) and molecular geometry (MG) of NCl^3.
12 months agoReport content

Answer

Full Solution Locked

Sign in to view the complete step-by-step solution and unlock all study resources.

Step 1:
I'll solve this problem step by step, following the specified LaTeX formatting guidelines:

Step 2:
: Determine the central atom and draw the Lewis structure

* Total valence electrons: $$5 + 21 = 26$$ electrons
- The central atom is nitrogen (N) - Count the valence electrons: * N: 5 valence electrons * Cl: 7 valence electrons × 3 = 21 valence electrons

Step 3:
: Arrange the atoms in the Lewis structure

- N is the central atom - Three Cl atoms are bonded to N - Remaining electrons form lone pairs

Step 4:
: Count electron domains around the central atom

- Total electron domains: $$4$$ domains
- 3 single bonds to Cl atoms - 1 lone pair on the central N atom

Step 5:
: Determine Electron Geometry (EG)

- Electron Geometry: $$\text{Tetrahedral}
- With 4 total electron domains, the electron geometry follows the tetrahedral arrangement

Step 6:
: Determine Molecular Geometry (MG)

- Molecular Geometry: $$\text{Trigonal Pyramidal}
- 3 bonding domains - 1 lone pair - This creates a trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry

Final Answer

- Electron Geometry (EG): \text{Tetrahedral} - Molecular Geometry (MG): \text{Trigonal Pyramidal}