Self Test for Focus 2E

(Polar molecules, Non-polar molecules, etc.)

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905934067
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Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2023 11:42 am

Self Test for Focus 2E

Postby 905934067 » Sat Dec 09, 2023 5:29 pm

This one self-test question asks to predict the shape of an arsenic pentafluoride molecule, AsF5, and says that the answer is trigonal bipyramidal. Can someone explain how to determine this. Why wouldn't it be square pyramidal?
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Dexton Ratchford 2F
Posts: 80
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2023 10:36 am

Re: Self Test for Focus 2E

Postby Dexton Ratchford 2F » Sat Dec 09, 2023 5:36 pm

The VESPR formula for AsF5 should be AX5 which is the formula for trigonal pyramidal. If the formula was AX5E then there would be a lone pair on the arsenic and you would see a square pyramidal shape
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Jayson Hall 2H
Posts: 111
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2023 12:13 pm

Re: Self Test for Focus 2E

Postby Jayson Hall 2H » Sat Dec 09, 2023 5:38 pm

Arsenic has 5 valence electrons, and each one bonds with a fluorine. There are no lone pairs, and 5 bound atoms, so the shape is trigonal bipyramidal.
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