Question

what is the shape of asf₃? 1. trigonal pyramidal 2. t - shaped 3. tetrahedral 4. seesaw 5. trigonal planar

Explanation:

To determine the shape of $AsF_3$, we use VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory. Arsenic (As) has 5 valence electrons and forms 3 bonds with fluorine (F) atoms, leaving one lone pair. The electron - pair geometry is tetrahedral (4 electron domains: 3 bonding pairs and 1 lone pair). But the molecular shape, ignoring the lone pair, is trigonal pyramidal.

Answer:

1. trigonal pyramidal