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Chapter 9: Problem 22

Describe the characteristic electron-domain geometry of each of the following numbers of electron domains about a central atom: \((a) 3,(b) 4,(c) 5,(d) 6\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
For different numbers of electron domains about a central atom, the characteristic electron-domain geometries are as follows: (a) For 3 electron domains, the geometry is trigonal planar, with 120° angles between the domains. (b) For 4 electron domains, the geometry is tetrahedral, with 109.5° angles between the domains. (c) For 5 electron domains, the geometry is trigonal bipyramidal, having three equatorial domains with 120° angles and two axial domains at 90° to the equatorial plane. (d) For 6 electron domains, the geometry is octahedral, with each domain having 90° angles from the others.

Step by step solution

01

Case A: 3 electron domains

Using VSEPR theory, when the central atom has 3 electron domains, this means that the electron groups will try to stay as far apart as possible to minimize electron repulsion. In this case, the characteristic electron-domain geometry is trigonal planar. The three electron domains are located at 120° angle from each other in a planar arrangement.
02

Case B: 4 electron domains

If the central atom has 4 electron domains, VSEPR theory tells us that these electron groups will maintain a tetrahedral shape to minimize electron repulsion. In this case, the characteristic electron-domain geometry is tetrahedral. Each of the four electron domains is at a 109.5° angle from the others, forming a tetrahedron around the central atom.
03

Case C: 5 electron domains

With 5 electron domains surrounding the central atom, VSEPR theory indicates that the electron groups will adopt a trigonal bipyramidal configuration for minimal electron repulsion. In this case, the characteristic electron-domain geometry is trigonal bipyramidal. Three of the electron domains are located in an equatorial plane (120° angle from one another) and the other two are at the axial positions (90° angle from the equatorial plane and 180° from each other).
04

Case D: 6 electron domains

When there are 6 electron domains around the central atom, VSEPR theory suggests that the electron groups will arrange themselves into an octahedral shape to reduce electron repulsion. In this case, the characteristic electron-domain geometry is octahedral. Here, the six electron domains are organized in such a way that each has a 90° angle from the others, forming an octahedron around the central atom.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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