Question

What is the molecular shape of ClF4− as predicted by the VSEPR
theory?

Answer 1

The molecular shape of ClF4−, as predicted by VSEPR theory, is square planar.

Step-by-step explanation:

Using valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory to predict molecular shapes, we can determine the shape of ClF4−. This molecule has a central chlorine atom surrounded by four fluorine atoms and one lone pair. Taking into account the four bonding pairs and one lone pair, the electron pairs will arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, resulting in a molecular geometry that is known as square planar.

Answer 2

The ClF4− ion adopts a seesaw molecular shape according to VSEPR theory, with chlorine having four bonding pairs and one lone pair of electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

The molecular shape of ClF4− as predicted by the VSEPR theory can be determined by looking at the electron domain geometry first. Chlorine in ClF4− has five regions of electron density; four of these are bonding pairs with the fluorine atoms, and one is a lone pair of electrons. This arrangement leads to a seesaw molecular shape due to the asymmetric distribution of the electron regions around the chlorine atom.