Question

using the vsepr model, predict the molecular geometry of alcl₃ (bent, linear, octahedral, seesaw, square planar, square pyramidal, t - shaped, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, trigonal planar, or trigonal pyramidal).

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the central atom and its valence electrons

The central atom in \(AlCl_3\) is \(Al\). Aluminum (\(Al\)) has \(3\) valence electrons (\(3s^{2}3p^{1}\)).

Step2: Calculate the number of bonding pairs

Each \(Cl\) atom forms a single bond with \(Al\). There are \(3\) \(Cl\) atoms. So, the number of bonding pairs (\(BP\)) around \(Al\) is \(3\).

Step3: Use VSEPR formula

The VSEPR formula is \(AX_nE_m\), where \(A\) is the central atom, \(X\) is the surrounding atom, \(n\) is the number of \(X\) atoms, and \(E\) is the lone - pair. For \(AlCl_3\), \(n = 3\) and \(m=0\) (since there are no lone pairs on \(Al\) in \(AlCl_3\)).

Step4: Predict the geometry

According to VSEPR theory, when \(n = 3\) and \(m = 0\), the molecular geometry is trigonal planar.

Answer:

trigonal planar