Linear for AX2E3

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

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Seohyun Park 1L
Posts: 73
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:29 am

Linear for AX2E3

Postby Seohyun Park 1L » Fri Nov 16, 2018 11:47 am

Why is it that AX2E3 has a linear shape even with a trigonal bipyramidal electron geometry? Wouldn't the 3 lone electron pairs have an effect on the shape?
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Irene Zhou 1E
Posts: 73
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:18 am

Re: Linear for AX2E3

Postby Irene Zhou 1E » Fri Nov 16, 2018 12:26 pm

The three lone pairs are in the equatorial plane so the overall shape would be linear.
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Chris Freking 2G
Posts: 60
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:29 am

Re: Linear for AX2E3

Postby Chris Freking 2G » Fri Nov 16, 2018 12:36 pm

AX2E3-3D-balls.png


The 3 lone electrons form a trigonal shape in the equatorial plane as it is the most favorable in terms of electron repulsion, so the two other bonded atoms will take on a linear shape.
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