CHEM 1311 Homework problem set 3

For each of the molecules in the following list you should use VSEPR to predict the
shape of the molecule. As part of each answer you should indicate how many pairs of
electrons are involved in bonding to the central atom, you should draw the structure of
the molecule and indicate on the structural drawing the location of any lone pairs that
may be present on the central atom, and you should state what the shape of the molecule
is.

Examples: CH4 , 4 pairs of electrons, tetrahedral

This symbol implies that the bond is going

H H
into the plane of the paper
C
H H This symbol implies that the bond is coming
out of the plane of the paper

SF4 , 5 pairs of electrons, see-saw shape. Not trigonal bipyramidal in shape, as

shape refers to the arrangement of atoms not electron pairs

F
F
S
F
F

Molecules to be examined: ICl3 , BrF5 , ICl4 -, XeF4 , XeF2 , POCl3 , NH3 , SF6 , SbF5 , TeCl4

ICl3 , 5 pairs of electrons, T-shaped

Cl
Cl I
Cl

BrF5 , 6 pairs of electrons, square pyramidal

F
F F
Br
F F

ICl4 -, 6 pairs of electrons, square planar

Cl Cl
I
Cl Cl
XeF4 , 6 pairs of electrons, square planar

F F
Xe
F F

XeF2 , 5 pairs of electrons, linear

F
Xe
F

POCl3 , 5 pairs of electrons. However, two pairs are used to bond with oxygen.
Tetrahedral shape.
O
P Cl
Cl
Cl

NH3 , four pairs of electrons, pyramidal.

N H
H H

SF6 , 6 pairs of electrons, octahedral.

F
F F
S
F F
F

SbF5 , 5 pairs of electrons, trigonal bipyramidal.

F
F
F Sb
F
F

TeCl4 , 5 pairs of electrons, see-saw or saw-horse shape.

Cl Cl
Te
Cl
Cl