Use the VSEPR model to predict the electron-pair geometry and bond angles of PF₄⁺. A) octahedral, 90^$\circ$ B) square planar, 90^$\circ$ C) tetrahedral, 109.5^$\circ$ D) triangular pyramidal, 90^$\circ$ E) tetrahedral, 90^$\circ$

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the VSEPR model, the central phosphorus atom (P) has five electron pairs in its valence shell, consisting of four single bond pairs with sulfur atoms (S) and one lone pair. This gives the electron-pair geometry of trigonal bipyramidal. However, the lone pair exerts greater repulsion than the bond pairs, causing the bond angle to deviate from the ideal angle of 120 degrees. The actual bond angle between the single bond pairs is around 109.5 degrees, giving the molecular geometry of tetrahedral. Therefore, choice C is the best choice.

Use the VSEPR Model to Predict the Electron-Pair Geometry and Bond