Question

What is the electron geometry of this molecule? AlCl3

Answer 1

Answer:

The electron geometry of AlCl₃ is triangular planar.

Explanation:

The aluminium atom has 3 electrons in its valence shell. The chlorine atom has 7 electrons in its valence shell. Therefore, each chlorine atom can pair one electron with one electron of the aluminium atom, forming single bonds. The image attached shows how the Cl atoms are arranged around the Al atom.

All the single bonds are in the same plane and the Cl atoms form a triangular shape. This is why the geometry of the AlCl₃ molecule is triangular planar.