1). What is the Lewis structure for #"SeF"_4#? 2). What is its electron geometry? 3). What is its molecular geometry? 4. What is its hybridization? 5. How would you classify it in the #"AXE"# system? 6. What are the ideal bond angles?
1 Answer
Mar 22, 2014
1) See below; 2) trigonal bipyramidal; 3) see-saw; 4) sp³d; 5) AX₄E; 6) see below.
Explanation:
1) 1 Se + 4 Br = 6 + 4×7 = 34 valence electrons. Se must expand its octet. This gives Se four bond pairs and one lone pair. The Lewis structure is like that of SeF₄.
2). The electron arrangement for five electron pairs is trigonal bipyramidal.
3) The bulky lone pair occupies an equatorial position.
The molecular shape considers only the Se-Br bonds. As with SF₄, the shape is a see-saw.
4) The hybridization that corresponds to five electron pairs is sp³d.
5) The VSEPR notation is AX₄E.
6) The bond angles are:
axial-axial = > 180°;
equatorial-equatorial = < 120°;
axial-equatorial = < 90°.
You can watch a video on trigonal bipyramidal geometry here: