Question

Consider an AB3 molecule in which A and B differ in elec-tronegativity. You are told that the molecule has an over-all dipole moment of zero. Which of the following could be the molecular geometry of the molecule? (a) Trigonal pyramidal (b) Trigonal planar (c) T-shaped (d) Tetrahedral (e) More than one of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

(b) Trigonal planar

Explanation:

The molecular geometry is the one that stabilizes better the bonds and the free electron pairs. If the molecule is nonpolar (overall dipole moment zero), so, there's no free electron pairs at the central atom. So, the molecule has the central atom A surrounded by three atoms of B, which is the trigonal planar geometry.