Skip to main content
Ch.8 - Covalent Compounds: Bonding Theories and Molecular Structure
Chapter 8, Problem 2

Give the geometry and approximate bond angles around the central atom in CCl3-. (LO 8.1) (a) Trigonal planar, 120° (b) Trigonal pyramidal, 109.5° (c) Trigonal pyramidal, 120° (d) Bent, 109.5°

Verified Solution

Video duration:
2m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

VSEPR Theory

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory is a model used to predict the geometry of molecules based on the repulsion between electron pairs around a central atom. According to this theory, electron pairs, whether bonding or lone pairs, will arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, leading to specific molecular shapes.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:13
Molecular Shapes and VSEPR

Molecular Geometry

Molecular geometry refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule. It is determined by the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs of electrons around the central atom, which influences the overall shape and bond angles. For example, a central atom with three bonding pairs and one lone pair typically adopts a trigonal pyramidal shape.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:33
Molecular Geometry with Two Electron Groups

Bond Angles

Bond angles are the angles formed between adjacent bonds in a molecule. They are influenced by the molecular geometry and the presence of lone pairs, which can compress or expand the angles between bonding pairs. For instance, in a trigonal pyramidal geometry, the bond angles are approximately 107° due to the repulsion from the lone pair.
Recommended video: