What is the VSEPR shape of the molecule PF_3PF3?

1 Answer
mrpauller.weebly.com · Kuba Dolecki · dwayne · Stefan V.
May 8, 2014

The VSEPR shape of the molecule "PF"_3PF3 is trigonal pyrimidal.

Explanation:

We can use VESPR theory to predict a trigonal pyrimidal shape for the molecule PF_3PF3 because of its AX_3EAX3E status.

upload.wikimedia.org

VESPR stands for valence shell electron pair repulsion. This theory basically says that bonding and non-bonding electron pairs of the central atom in a molecule will repel (push away from) each other in three dimensional space and this gives the molecules their shape.

We can use the following notations when examining a Lewis structure of a molecule.
A = central atom
X = peripheral atoms
E = non-bonding electron pairs of the central atom

AX_2AX2 = linear molecule
AX_3AX3 = trigonal planar
AX_3EAX3E = trigonal pyrimidal
AX_2E_2AX2E2 = bent
AX_4AX4 = tetrahedral molecule

Related questions
See all questions in VSEPR
Impact of this question
64630 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License