QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
# Module 6 Test
What is the molecular geometry of $\mathrm{BCl}_{3}$
$\bigcirc$ triginal planar
$\bigcirc$ trigonal pyramid
$\bigcirc$ tetrahedral
$\bigcirc$ liner
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this step by step using VSEPR theory to determine the molecular geometry of \mathrm{BCl}_{3}.
Step 2:: Determine the central atom and number of valence electrons
- Central atom is Boron (B) - Boron has 3 valence electrons - Each Chlorine (Cl) contributes 7 valence electrons
Step 3:: Draw the Lewis structure
- Total valence electrons: $$3 + (3 \times 7) = 24$$ electrons
- Boron forms single bonds with three chlorine atoms - Boron will have an incomplete octet (6 electrons)
Step 4:: Count electron domains around the central atom
- 3 single bonds = 3 electron domains - No lone pairs on the central boron atom - Total electron domains: 3
Step 5:: Determine electron domain geometry
- 3 electron domains arranged around the central atom - Electron domain geometry is trigonal planar
Step 6:: Determine molecular geometry
- All electron domains are bonding domains - No lone pairs on the central atom - Molecular geometry matches electron domain geometry
Final Answer
The correct answer is trigonal planar, which matches the first option in the original multiple-choice question.
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