Would the VSEPR notation of CH3Cl be AX4?
yes
To determine the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) notation of CH3Cl, we need to consider its molecular geometry.
Step 1: Determine the central atom.
In CH3Cl, the central atom is carbon (C).
Step 2: Count the total number of atoms linked to the central atom (including both atoms and lone pairs).
There is one hydrogen atom (H) and one chlorine atom (Cl) linked to the central carbon atom (C). So, there are two atoms linked to the central atom.
Step 3: Determine the electron pairs around the central atom.
Each bond (single or double) contributes one electron pair to the central atom. Additionally, lone pairs on the central atom are also counted as electron pairs.
In CH3Cl, there are three hydrogen-carbon (C-H) bonds, one carbon-chlorine (C-Cl) bond, and no lone pairs on the carbon atom.
So, the total electron pairs around the central carbon atom are: 3 (C-H bonds) + 1 (C-Cl bond) = 4.
Step 4: Determine the VSEPR notation.
Based on the total electron pairs (4) around the central carbon atom, the VSEPR notation for CH3Cl is AX4.
Therefore, the VSEPR notation of CH3Cl is indeed AX4.