Chapter 10, Problem 10.5QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for a lone pair occupies an equatorial position rather than an axial position in the trigonal bipyramidal arrangement should be explained briefly.

Concept introduction:

• Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) based on the repulsion between lone pairs and bond pairs of electron in the bonded atoms on the central atom or ion.
• There will be a deviation from the regular geometry of a molecule due to the electrostatic repulsion formed. So the bonded electrons tend to move away as far as possible so there is some deviation in regular geometry.
• So in VSEPR, the geometry of the molecule is explained based on minimizing electrostatic repulsion between the molecules’ valence electrons around a central atom.