Predict the molecular structure (including bond angles) for...

Predict the molecular structure (including bond angles) for each of the following. (See Exercises 105 and 106.)
a. $\mathrm{XeCl}_{2}$
b. $\mathrm{ICl}_{3}$
c. $\mathrm{TeF}_{4}$
d. $\mathrm{PCl}_{5}$

Key Concepts

VSEPR Theory

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory is a model used to predict the geometry of individual molecules from the number of electron pairs surrounding their central atoms. It posits that electron pairs will arrange themselves as far apart as possible to minimize repulsive forces, thereby determining the overall molecular shape and approximate bond angles.

Electron Domain Geometry

Electron domain geometry refers to the three?dimensional arrangement of all electron groups (bonding and lone pairs) around a central atom. The total number of electron domains, which is counted by the steric number, helps determine whether the electron arrangement is linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, or octahedral, each with its characteristic bond angles.

Role of Lone Pairs in Molecular Structure

Lone pairs are non-bonding pairs of electrons that reside on the central atom. They occupy space and exert greater repulsive force compared to bonding pairs, which can lead to deviations from ideal bond angles. Their presence alters the molecular shape relative to the electron domain geometry, resulting in geometries like bent, seesaw, or T-shaped molecular structures.

Bond Angles and Molecular Geometry

Bond angles are the angles between adjacent bonds as determined by the arrangement of electron domains around the central atom. The ideal bond angles arise from specific electron geometries, but adjustments occur due to the presence of lone pairs or differences in electronegativity, leading to variations in actual bond angles observed in different molecular shapes.

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