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Which species has a T-shaped molecular geometry?

a) Trigonal planar
b) Tetrahedral
c) Trigonal bipyramidal
d) Linear

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The T-shaped molecular geometry occurs in molecules like ClF₃ and BrF₃, where a central atom is surrounded by three bonding pairs and two lone pairs, resulting in a T-shaped structure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The species with a T-shaped molecular geometry are not mentioned in the options provided (b) Tetrahedral or (d) Linear. However, according to molecular geometry principles, a T-shaped molecular structure typically occurs in a molecule with a trigonal bipyramidal electron group geometry where there are two lone pairs on the central atom. Some common examples with a T-shaped geometry include molecules like chlorine trifluoride (ClF₃) and bromine trifluoride (BrF₃).

T-shaped molecular geometry is characterized by the central atom having three ligands and two lone pairs at 90 degrees to each other, forming the shape of a T. Based on VSEPR theory (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion), the central atom in a T-shaped molecule is surrounded by five regions of electron density which arrange themselves in a trigonal bipyramidal fashion. However, with two lone pairs occupying equatorial positions, the remaining three atoms form a T shape.

User Flavio Ferrara
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