What is the geometry around the central atom in the following molecular model of BrF₅? A)trigonal bipyramidal B)octahedral C)square pyramidal D)square planar

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The central atom (S) has five electron pairs around it: one lone pair and four bonding pairs. This corresponds to a trigonal bipyramidal electron pair geometry. One of the bonding pairs is with Br, and the other three are with B atoms. However, one of the bonding pairs is a dative covalent bond, meaning the electron pair is provided by one of the B atoms rather than being shared. This creates an unequal bond distribution, causing the geometry to distort to a square pyramidal shape. Therefore, the correct answer is C) square pyramidal.

What Is the Geometry Around the Central Atom in the Following