Question

g Which ONE of the following molecules and ions has trigonal planar molecular geometry? (NOTE: You must first determine what the Lewis structure of each substance is.) A) PCl3 B) HCN C) CO3 2– D) H3O+ E) NF3

Answer 1

Answer: C) $CO^{2-}_{3}$

Explanation: The Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Model (VSEPR Model) shows bonding and nonbonding electron pairs present in the valence, outermost, shell of an atom connecting to other atoms. It also gives the molecular geometric shape of a molecule.

To determine molecular geometry:

1) Draw Lewis Structure, i.e., a simplified representation of the valence shell electrons;

2) Count the number of electron pairs (count multiple bonds as 1 pair);

3) Arrange electron pairs to minimise repulsion;

4) Position the atoms to minimise the lone pair;

5) Name the molecular geometry from the atom position;

Trigonal planar molecular geometry is a model which molecule's shape is triangular and in one plane. Such molecule has three regions of electron density extending out from the central atom and the repulsion will be at minimum when angle between any two is 120°.

The Lewis structure of each molecule is shown in the attachment.

Analysing each one, it can be concluded that molecule with trigonal planar geometry is $CO^{2-}_{3}$