Predict the geometry around the central atom in XeO4.

Question

Predict the geometry around the central atom in XeO4.

Predict the geometry around the central atom in PO43−.

A) trigonal planar

B) trigonal pyramidal

C) tetrahedral

D) trigonal bypyramidal

E) Octahedral

Answer 1

XeO4 has 32 valence electrons, and forms four bonds with four oxygens, with no lone pairs on the central Xe atom.  Therefore the electron pair geometry is tetrahedral and the molecular geometry is tetrahedral.

The phosphate ion is identical in terms of electron arrangement, and also has tetrahedral electron pair geometry and tetrahedral molecular geometry.

Answer 2

1. tetrahedral

2. tetrahedral