What is the molecular structure for each of the following molecules or ions? a. \(\mathrm{OCl}_{2}\) b. \(\mathrm{ClO}_{4}-\) c. \(\mathrm{ICl}_{5}\) d. \(\mathrm{PF}_{6}-\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
The molecular structures for each given molecule or ion are: a. \(\mathrm{OCl}_2\): Bent b. \(\mathrm{ClO}_4^-\): Tetrahedral c. \(\mathrm{ICl}_5\): Square pyramidal d. \(\mathrm{PF}_6^-\): Octahedral

Step by step solution

01

Determine the number of electron groups around the central atom

First, identify the central atom in each molecule or ion. Then, count the total number of electron groups around it, including bonded atoms and lone pairs of electrons. a. \(\mathrm{OCl}_2\) - Central atom: O - Electron groups: 2 (two Cl atoms) b. \(\mathrm{ClO}_4^-\) - Central atom: Cl - Electron groups: 4 (four O atoms) c. \(\mathrm{ICl}_5\) - Central atom: I - Electron groups: 5 (five Cl atoms) d. \(\mathrm{PF}_6^-\) - Central atom: P - Electron groups: 6 (six F atoms)
02

Predict the electron geometry

Use the number of electron groups to determine the electron geometry according to the VSEPR theory. a. \(\mathrm{OCl}_2\) - Electron geometry: Linear b. \(\mathrm{ClO}_4^-\) - Electron geometry: Tetrahedral c. \(\mathrm{ICl}_5\) - Electron geometry: Trigonal bipyramidal d. \(\mathrm{PF}_6^-\) - Electron geometry: Octahedral
03

Determine the molecular geometry

In some cases, the electron geometry is different from the molecular geometry. If there are lone pairs on the central atom, adjust the geometry accordingly. a. \(\mathrm{OCl}_2\) - Molecular geometry: Bent - Explanation: There are two lone pairs on the Oxygen atom. b. \(\mathrm{ClO}_4^-\) - Molecular geometry: Tetrahedral - Explanation: No lone pairs on the central Chlorine atom. c. \(\mathrm{ICl}_5\) - Molecular geometry: Square pyramidal - Explanation: No lone pairs on the central Iodine atom. d. \(\mathrm{PF}_6^-\) - Molecular geometry: Octahedral - Explanation: No lone pairs on the central Phosphorus atom. Thus, the molecular structures are as follows: a. \(\mathrm{OCl}_2\): Bent b. \(\mathrm{ClO}_4^-\): Tetrahedral c. \(\mathrm{ICl}_5\): Square pyramidal d. \(\mathrm{PF}_6^-\): Octahedral

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