107k views
2 votes
What are the Shapes of Larger Molecules that Deviate From the ABn Convention?

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

AB2 and AB3 molecules have various shapes such as linear, bent, or trigonal planar for AB2 and trigonal planar, trigonal pyramidal, or T-shaped for AB3 due to electron pair repulsions.

Step-by-step explanation:

AB2 and AB3 molecules can adopt several different shapes depending on the distribution of their electrons and the repulsion between electron pairs according to VSEPR theory. For AB2 molecules, the possible shapes include linear, bent, or trigonal planar if additional electron pairs are considered. Examples of these are CO2 for linear, SO2 for bent, and BeH2 for trigonal planar. For AB3 molecules, the potential shapes are trigonal planar, trigonal pyramidal, and T-shaped. Examples include BF3 for trigonal planar, NH3 for trigonal pyramidal, and ClF3 for T-shaped.

User Anthonyvd
by
8.6k points