According to VSEPR theory, a molecule with four bond pairs and no lone pairs on the central atom is
- A. linear
- B. trigonal planar
- C. tetrahedral
- D. bent
Explanation
Four regions of electron density spread as far apart as possible, which places them at the corners of a tetrahedron with angles of 109.5 degrees, as in methane. Adding a lone pair in place of a bond pair would give a pyramid, and two lone pairs a bent shape. The electron pair geometry and the molecular shape coincide only when there are no lone pairs.
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