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Electron Geometry: Trigonal Planar Molecular Geometry: Bent Bond Angle = ?

User Phizzy
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Final answer:

The bond angle for a bent molecular geometry coming from a trigonal planar electron-pair geometry is expected to be slightly less than 120° due to the space occupied by a lone pair.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering a molecule with a trigonal planar electron geometry that has molecular geometry that is bent, the bond angle typically expected is less than 120°.

However, this can sometimes be confused with the bent shape arising from a tetrahedral electron-pair geometry, which would have a bond angle of about 104.5° as in the case of water (H2O).

But, for a bent molecular geometry that originates from a trigonal planar electron-pair geometry.

The bond angle is indeed expected to be slightly less than 120° due to the presence of a lone pair that occupies more space.

User Ken Paul
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