Question

What is the molecular geometry, or shape, of chloroform `CHCl_3`?

Answer 1

Tetrahedral Parent and Geometry => `AX_4E_0`

Explanation:

From the formula given `HC Cl_3` there are 4 bonded pairs of electrons attached to the central element carbon (C) and zero (0) non-bonded pairs of electrons.

Non-bonded pairs = `("Valence" "Electrons" - "Substrate" "Electrons")/2`

Valence electrons = 1H + 1C +3Cl = 1(1) + 1(4) + 3(7) = 26

Substrate electrons = 1H + 3Cl = 1(2) + 3(8) = 26

Non-bonded `e^(-)` pairs = `(V_e - S_e)/2` = `(26 - 26)/2` = 0

Bonded `e^-` Pairs = number of substates attached to the central element = 4

`:.` Parent and Structural Geometry = `AX_4E_0` => Tetrahedral Geometry