Based on the VSEPR theory, what is the molecular geometry of a molecule of PI3?

1 Answer
Dec 28, 2014

VSEPR Theory allows for the prediction of molecular shapes based on the number of electron pairs that surround their respective atoms.

In order to determine the molecular shape of the PI_3PI3 molecule using VSEPR Theory, its Lewis structure must first be determined.

SInce PP has 5 valence electrons, and each II atom has 7 valence electrons, the molecule's Lewis structure will look like this:

http://www.youtube.bnatstylex.com/pi3-lewis-structure-how-to-draw-the-lewis-structure-for-pi3-phosphorus-triiodide-2sdr07qkuad8l7c.htmlhttp://www.youtube.bnatstylex.com/pi3-lewis-structure-how-to-draw-the-lewis-structure-for-pi3-phosphorus-triiodide-2sdr07qkuad8l7c.html

Notice that PP uses 3 valence electrons to form covalent bonds with the three II atoms, which leaves it with one lone pair of electrons.

PP has a steric number of 4 and a coordination number of 3, which means that it has a tetrahedral electron geomerty and a trigonal planar molecular geometry.

Here's a representation of PI_3PI3's molecular geometry:

https://www.webelements.com/compounds/phosphorus/phosphorus_triiodide.htmlhttps://www.webelements.com/compounds/phosphorus/phosphorus_triiodide.html