Fe(CO) has a Square Pyramidal Structure

Fe(CO) is the chemical formula for Iron Carbonyl, which is an organometallic compound. The molecule consists of one iron (Fe) atom and four carbon monoxide (CO) ligands. The structure of Fe(CO) can be determined by understanding its electron configuration and the number of valence electrons.

Electron Configuration of Fe

The atomic number of Fe is 26, and its electronic configuration is [Ar] 3d6 4s2. This means that Fe has 26 electrons, and the valence shell contains two electrons in the 4s orbital and six electrons in the 3d orbital.

Number of Valence Electrons

The valence electrons of Fe(CO) are determined by adding the valence electrons of Fe and CO. Fe has two valence electrons in the 4s orbital and six valence electrons in the 3d orbital. Each CO ligand has one valence electron from the carbon atom and two valence electrons from the oxygen atom. Therefore, the total number of valence electrons in Fe(CO) is 18.

Molecular Geometry

The molecular geometry of Fe(CO) is determined by the number of electron groups around the central Fe atom. There are five electron groups in Fe(CO): four CO ligands and one lone pair of electrons on the Fe atom. Therefore, the molecular geometry of Fe(CO) is square pyramidal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct structure of Fe(CO) is square pyramidal. The molecule consists of one iron atom and four carbon monoxide ligands arranged in a square pyramidal geometry around the central Fe atom.