Question

The Lewis structure for carbon hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is given. What is the three-dimensional shape of the molecule? A. Bent B. Linear C. Tetrahedral D. Trigonal planar

Answer 1

B is the answer

The correct answer

Answer 2

In HCN, the valence electron configuration of H = 1s¹

C = 2s²2p²

N = 2s²2p³

Thus, in HCN, C is the central atom which is bonded to H through a single bond and to N through a triple bond. In addition, there is a lone pair of electron on N atom. The 3 atoms lie in a straight line with a bond angle of 180⁰

Hence, the 3D shape of HCN is linear

Ans. B) Linear