QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Use VSEPR theory to predict the electron-pair geometry and the molecular geometry of phosphorus tribromide, PBr^3.
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Answer
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Step 1: Understand the problem
We need to predict the electron-pair geometry and molecular geometry of phosphorus tribromide (PBr3) using VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory.
Step 2: Identify the central atom and number of electron pairs
Phosphorus (P) is the central atom in PBr^3 with 5 valence electrons. Each bromine atom contributes 1 electron from each of its 3 atoms, resulting in a total of 3 + 5 = 8 electrons around the central atom. Since each electron pair is considered as a single electron for simplicity, we have 8 electrons to arrange.
Final Answer
The electron-pair geometry of PBr^3 is tetrahedral, and the molecular geometry is trigonal pyramidal.
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