Moderate

Which of the following molecules does not have a planar geometry?

Correct answer: D. Phosphorus trichloride

  • A. Benzene
  • B. Boron trifluoride
  • C. Ethene
  • D. Phosphorus trichloride

Explanation

Phosphorus trichloride (PCl₃) has a trigonal pyramidal shape because the phosphorus atom has one lone pair. This lone pair repels the three P-Cl bonding pairs, lifting them out of a planar arrangement and producing a pyramidal geometry.

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Chemical bonding explains molecular shape through VSEPR theory and distinguishes sigma bonds from pi bonds. Questions involve hybridization, bond angles, dipole moment and bond energy, including how electron-pair repulsion determines geometry and how bond polarity differs from the overall polarity of a molecule.

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