Match the following molecules or ions to their shapes. Which pairing i...
[I3]- = Linear ; BrF5 = Square pyramidal; ClF3 = 'T' shaped
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Match the following molecules or ions to their shapes. Which pairing i...
[BrF4]-: square planar
BrF4- is an ion with a central bromine atom (Br) bonded to four fluorine atoms (F) and one additional lone pair of electrons. To determine its shape, we need to consider the arrangement of the atoms and lone pairs around the central atom.
1. Determine the central atom:
The central atom in BrF4- is bromine (Br).
2. Count the total number of valence electrons:
Bromine has 7 valence electrons, and each fluorine atom has 7 valence electrons. Additionally, the negative charge of -1 indicates the addition of one extra electron. Therefore, the total number of valence electrons is 7 + (4 × 7) + 1 = 36.
3. Determine the electron arrangement:
To minimize electron repulsion, the four fluorine atoms and the lone pair of electrons will arrange themselves in a way that maximizes the distance between them. This results in a square planar arrangement, where the four fluorine atoms and the lone pair are located at the corners of a square around the central bromine atom.
4. Determine the molecular shape:
The molecular shape is determined by considering the positions of the atoms only, without considering the lone pair. In this case, the four fluorine atoms are located at the corners of a square around the central bromine atom, giving a square planar shape.
Hence, the correct pairing is [BrF4]-: square planar.