Question

which of the following molecules demonstrates a square pyramidal molecular structure? xeo3 ch4 xef4 ccl4

Explanation:

• For $XeO_3$, it has a trigonal - pyramidal structure. The central $Xe$ atom has 8 valence electrons, three are used in bonding with oxygen atoms and one lone - pair is present.
• For $CH_4$, it has a tetrahedral structure. The central carbon atom has 4 valence electrons which are all used in bonding with 4 hydrogen atoms.
• For $XeF_4$, the central $Xe$ atom has 8 valence electrons. Four of them are used in bonding with fluorine atoms and there are two lone - pairs. According to VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory, it has a square - planar structure.
• For $CCl_4$, the central carbon atom has 4 valence electrons which are all used in bonding with 4 chlorine atoms, giving it a tetrahedral structure. None of the given molecules has a square - pyramidal structure.

Answer:

None of the above