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

1 Answer
Feb 8, 2017

Here's what I get.

Explanation:

We must first draw the Lewis structure of acetic acid.

Lewis structure
(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.

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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.

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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.

Bent
(From Meritnation)