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QuestionChemistry

Determine the molecular geometry and bond angles for borane, BH 3 ​ .
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Answer

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

Step 2:
: Determine the Lewis Structure

- Total valence electrons: $$3 + (3 \times 1) = 6$$ electrons
- Borane (BH₃) is a molecule composed of one boron (B) atom and three hydrogen (H) atoms - Boron has 3 valence electrons - Each hydrogen contributes 1 electron

Step 3:
: Electron Arrangement

- Boron is the central atom - Arrange 6 electrons to form single bonds between B and H \begin{array}{c} H-B-H \ H \end{array}

Step 4:
: Determine Electron Geometry

- Use Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory - Total electron domains: 3 - No lone pairs on central boron atom - Electron geometry is trigonal planar

Step 5:
: Molecular Geometry

- All electron domains are bonding domains - Molecular geometry matches electron geometry - Molecular geometry is trigonal planar

Step 6:
: Bond Angles

- In a trigonal planar geometry, bond angles are $$120^{\circ}
- Each H-B-H angle is 120^{\circ}

Final Answer

- Molecular Geometry: Trigonal Planar - Bond Angles: 120^{\circ}