Question

according to vsepr, which compound could have the structural shape that looks like this:

Explanation:

1. Recall VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory. It predicts molecular geometries based on the number of bonding and non - bonding electron pairs around the central atom.
2. Analyze each option:

• For $H_2O$, the central oxygen atom has 2 bonding pairs and 2 non - bonding pairs, resulting in a bent shape.
• For $CH_2O$, the central carbon atom has 3 bonding pairs and 0 non - bonding pairs, resulting in a trigonal planar shape.
• For $CH_3Cl$, the central carbon atom has 4 bonding pairs and 0 non - bonding pairs, resulting in a tetrahedral shape which is the shape shown in the image.
• For $NH_3$, the central nitrogen atom has 3 bonding pairs and 1 non - bonding pair, resulting in a trigonal pyramidal shape.

Answer:

C. $CH_3Cl$