What is the molecular geometry of BCl3?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the molecular geometry of the compound BCl3. This refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of the atoms in the molecule, based on VSEPR theory, and involves understanding the bonding and lone pair electrons around the central atom, which is boron in this case.
Answer
trigonal planar
The final answer is trigonal planar
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is trigonal planar
More Information
BCl3 (boron trichloride) forms a trigonal planar shape due to the three regions of electron density around the central boron atom. This creates 120° bond angles.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing trigonal planar geometry with other trigonal geometries like trigonal pyramidal, which differs due to lone pairs of electrons.
Sources
- What is the molecular geometry of BCl3? - brainly.com
- What is the molecular geometry of BCl3 - Quora - quora.com
- Boron Trichloride, BCl3 Molecular Geometry & Polarity - tutor-homework.com