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According to VSEPR theory, which one of the following molecules should be bent (nonlinear)?

a. CO₂
b. C₂H₂
c. SO₂
d. BeCl₂
e. KrF₂

User Scorpeo
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Final answer:

SO₂ is bent (nonlinear) according to VSEPR theory because the lone pair of electrons on the central sulfur atom causes the molecule to adopt a bent geometry to minimize electron pair repulsion. The correct answer is option: c. SO₂

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the VSEPR theory, out of the given molecules, SO₂ should be bent (nonlinear). This is because sulfur dioxide has a central sulfur atom with two bonded oxygen atoms and one lone pair of electrons. The repulsion between the bonded pairs and the lone pair will cause the molecule to adopt a bent geometry to minimize repulsion, leading to an angular shape.

Other molecules listed like CO₂ and BeCl₂ have linear structures because there are no lone pairs on the central atom to cause a deviation from a straight line. C₂H₂ (acetylene) is also linear, having a triple bond between the two carbon atoms. KrF₂ has linear geometry as well because there are no lone pairs on the central krypton atom.

User Mannan Bahelim
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