Question

What is the geometry around each of the three central atoms in the `CH_3COOH` molecule?

Answer 1

Here's what I get.

Explanation:

We must first draw the Lewis structure of acetic acid.

(Adapted from Chemistry@TutorVista.com)

Carbon `color(red)(1)`

This atom has four atoms directly attached and no lone pairs.

Its electron geometry and its molecular geometry are both tetrahedral as in methane.

Carbon `color(red)(2)`

This atom has three atoms directly attached and no lone pairs.

Its electron geometry and its molecular geometry are both trigonal planar.

Oxygen `color(red)(3)`

This atom has two atoms directly attached and two lone pairs.

Its electron geometry is tetrahedral but its molecular geometry is bent as in water.

(From Meritnation)