Question

What is the molecular shape of HOF as presented by VSEPR?

a. Linear
b. Bent
c. Trigonal planar
d. Tetrahedral

Answer 1

The molecular shape of HOF is bent, as determined by the VSEPR theory, due to two bonding pairs and two lone pairs on the oxygen atom, leading to a bent molecular geometry despite a tetrahedral electron group geometry.

Step-by-step explanation:

The molecular shape of HOF according to Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory is bent. In this molecule, oxygen is the central atom with two bonding pairs (one bond with hydrogen and one with fluorine) and two lone pairs, which leads to a tetrahedral electron group geometry. However, the molecular geometry only considers the positions of the nuclei, not the lone pairs. Therefore, with the two lone pairs effectively pushing the hydrogen and fluorine atoms down, the shape of the molecule is bent or V-shaped.

Answer 2

The molecular shape of HOF is bent according to VSEPR.

Step-by-step explanation:

The molecular shape of HOF, as presented by VSEPR, is bent. It has two nuclei and one lone pair, which gives it a bent or V-shaped geometry. This can be viewed as a trigonal planar arrangement with a missing vertex. The O-S-O bond angle is expected to be less than 120° due to the extra space taken up by the lone pair.