Chemistry: The Central Science (13th Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0321910419
ISBN 13: 978-0-32191-041-7

Chapter 9 - Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories - Exercises - Page 388: 9.3a

Answer

There are two possible electron domain geometries (linear and trigonal bi-pyramidal).

Work Step by Step

There are two bonded atoms with a bond angle of 180 degrees, so we know that the shape is linear. One possibility is that there are no lone electron pairs, which would mean that there is a linear electron geometry. However, it is also possible for there to be a linear molecular geometry with two bonded atoms and three electron pairs. This would result in a trigonal bi-pyramidal electron geometry.
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