T-shaped angles

[Azlyn Hernandez 2E]

Since we can achieve the t shaped molecule from both AX3E2 and AX3E3, will the two have slightly different bond angles or will they be the same?

[Hannah Cole 3J]

Hi there! The T-shaped molecular geometry can be achieved in molecules with the AX₃E₂ and AX₃E₃ configurations. In both cases, the geometry consists of three surrounding atoms and lone pairs around the central atom. However, the two configurations may have slightly different bond angles due to the varying repulsive forces between lone pairs and surrounding atoms. AX₃E₂ tends to have larger bond angles compared to AX₃E₃, as the latter configuration introduces additional lone pair-electron repulsions. While both configurations exhibit T-shaped geometries, the specific bond angles can be influenced by the number of lone pairs surrounding the central atom. Hope this helps!

[Miyown Meeks 2F]

Hi, yes the two will have different bond angles because AX3E2 is although the shape is t-shape the e- arrangement is trigonal bipyramidal, and the e- arrangement of AX3E3 is octahedral. Although they both have bond angles of less than 90 degrees, AX3E2 tends to have larger bond angles because it has less lone pairs.