Question

use vsepr theory to predict the molecular geometry of the molecule albr₃. 1. trigonal - planar 2. none of these 3. linear 4. trigonal - pyramidal 5. tetrahedral 6. bent or angular 7. trigonal - bipyramidal 8. octahedral

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the central atom and its valence - electrons

Aluminum (Al) is the central atom in AlBr₃. Al has 3 valence electrons.

Step2: Determine the number of bonding pairs

Each Br atom forms a single bond with Al. Since there are 3 Br atoms, there are 3 bonding pairs around Al.

Step3: Determine the number of lone - pairs

There are no lone pairs on the Al atom in AlBr₃.

Step4: Apply VSEPR theory

According to VSEPR theory, when a central atom has 3 bonding pairs and 0 lone pairs, the molecular geometry is trigonal - planar.

Answer:

1. trigonal - planar