QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Use VSEPR theory to predict the electron-pair geometry and the molecular geometry of boron tribromide, BBr^3. (You will need to draw the Lewis structure to determine this.)
A. The electron-pair geometry is trigonal-pyramidal; the molecular geometry is trigonal-pyramidal.
B. The electron-pair geometry is trigonal-planar; the molecular geometry is trigonal-planar.
C. The electron-pair geometry is trigonal-planar; the molecular geometry is bent.
D. The electron-pair geometry is tetrahedral; the molecular geometry is trigonal-pyramidal.
E. The electron-pair geometry is trigonal-pyramidal; the molecular geometry is T-shaped.
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this step by step using VSEPR theory and proper LaTeX notation:
Step 2:: Draw the Lewis Structure
- Total valence electrons: $$3 + (3 \times 7) = 24$$ electrons
- Boron (B) is the central atom - Boron has 3 valence electrons - Each bromine (Br) has 7 valence electrons
Step 3:: Electron Dot Structure
- Boron forms three single bonds with bromine atoms - Each Br shares one electron with B - Boron now has an octet of 6 electrons (3 bond pairs)
Step 4:: Electron-Pair Geometry Determination
- Electron-pair geometry is $$trigonal-planar
- Total electron domains around boron = 3 - No lone pairs on the central boron atom
Step 5:: Molecular Geometry Determination
- Molecular geometry is also $$trigonal-planar
- 3 bonding domains - No lone pairs
Step 6:: Confirm Geometry Characteristics
- 120° angles between Br atoms - Flat, planar molecular structure
Final Answer
The electron-pair geometry is trigonal-planar; the molecular geometry is trigonal-planar.
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