Structure of Fe(CO) is Square Pyramidal

Fe(CO) is a compound containing a transition metal (Fe) and a ligand (CO). The structure of Fe(CO) can be determined by considering the number of valence electrons of Fe and CO.

Valence electrons of Fe = 26
Valence electrons of CO = 4 (1 from C and 3 from O)

Total valence electrons in Fe(CO) = 26 + 4 = 30

To determine the structure, we need to follow the following steps:

1. Calculate the total number of electron pairs around the central atom (Fe). This can be done by dividing the total valence electrons by 2:

30 / 2 = 15 electron pairs

2. Determine the electron pair geometry. This is the arrangement of electron pairs around the central atom, ignoring the identity of the ligands. In this case, we have 15 electron pairs, which corresponds to a trigonal bipyramidal geometry.

3. Determine the molecular geometry. This is the arrangement of atoms and ligands around the central atom. To do this, we need to consider the identity of the ligands.

Each CO ligand has a lone pair of electrons that occupies one of the equatorial positions. This leaves 2 equatorial and 3 axial positions around the Fe atom.

The molecular geometry of Fe(CO) is therefore square pyramidal, with Fe at the center and 5 ligands surrounding it. The 2 CO ligands occupy the equatorial positions, and the other 3 occupy the axial positions.