Question

a molecule with five electron pairs (single bonds and/or lone pairs) around the central atom could have which of the following molecular geometries?
i. trigonal bipyramidal
ii. seesaw
iii. t - shaped
iv. linear
o i and iv only
o i and ii only
o ii and iii only
o i, ii, iii and iv
o iii and iv only

Explanation:

Step1: Recall VSEPR theory

The valence - shell electron - pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory is used to predict molecular geometries based on the number of electron pairs around the central atom.

Step2: Analyze trigonal bipyramidal

When there are 5 bonding pairs (no lone pairs) around the central atom, the molecular geometry is trigonal bipyramidal.

Step3: Analyze seesaw

When there is 1 lone pair and 4 bonding pairs around the central atom, the molecular geometry is seesaw.

Step4: Analyze T - shaped

When there are 2 lone pairs and 3 bonding pairs around the central atom, the molecular geometry is T - shaped.

Step5: Analyze linear

When there are 3 lone pairs and 2 bonding pairs around the central atom, the molecular geometry is linear.

Answer:

D. I, II, III and IV