Discuss the shape of the following molecules using the VSEPR model: BeCl _{2}, BCl _{3}, S i C l _{4}, AsF _{5}, H _{2} S , PH _{3}
Discuss the shape of the following molecules using the VSEPR model: BeCl _{2}, BCl _{3}, S i C l _{4}, AsF _{5}, H _{2} S , PH _{3}

Solution:

BeCl_2

The central atom does not have a lone pair, but it does have two bond pairs. As a result, its shape is AB2, or linear.

BCl_3

The central atom has three bond pairs but no lone pairs. As a result, it has the shape AB3 or trigonal planar.

SiCl_4

There are no lone pairs on the central atom, but it does have four bond pairs. As a result, its shape is AB4 or Tetrahedral.

AsF_5

There are no lone pairs on the central atom, but it does have 5 bond pairs. As a result, it has the shape AB5 or trigonal bipyramidal.

H_2S

The central atom has one lone pair and two bond pairs. As a result, its shape is AB2E or bent.

PH_3

The central atom has one lone pair and three bond pairs. As a result, its shape is AB3E, which stands for Trigonalbipyramidal.