Question

what is the electron geometry of the carbon in h₂co? select one: a. trigonal bipyramidal b. trigonal planar c. linear d. tetrahedral

Explanation:

To determine the electron geometry of carbon in \(H_2CO\) (formaldehyde), we first analyze the Lewis structure of \(H_2CO\). The carbon atom is bonded to two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Carbon has 4 valence electrons, and in \(H_2CO\), it forms a double bond with oxygen and single bonds with two hydrogens. The steric number (number of bonding regions + lone pairs) for carbon is 3 (3 bonding regions: 2 single bonds to H, 1 double bond to O; no lone pairs on C). For a steric number of 3, the electron geometry is trigonal planar (this follows VSEPR theory, where electron groups around a central atom arrange to minimize repulsion; 3 electron groups (all bonding here) give a trigonal planar arrangement).

• Option A (Trigonal Bipyramidal) is for steric number 5, so incorrect.
• Option C (Linear) is for steric number 2, incorrect.
• Option D (Tetrahedral) is for steric number 4, incorrect.
• Option B (Trigonal Planar) matches the steric number 3 electron geometry.

Answer:

B. Trigonal Planar