What is the molecular geometry of CH2O?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the molecular geometry of CH2O (formaldehyde). To determine the molecular geometry, we will consider the arrangement of electron pairs and atoms around the central carbon atom.
Answer
trigonal planar
The final answer is trigonal planar
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is trigonal planar
More Information
The central carbon atom in CH2O has three regions of electron density (two single bonds and one double bond) making it sp2 hybridized, which leads to a trigonal planar shape with bond angles of approximately 120 degrees.
Tips
Common mistakes made when determining molecular geometry include neglecting to consider the hybridization of the central atom and miscounting regions of electron density.
Sources
- Lewis Structure of HCHO - Byju's - byjus.com
- Solved What is the molecular shape of the molecule CH2O? - Chegg - chegg.com
- What is the VSEPR model for CH2O - Socratic - socratic.org
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