What is the Lewis dot structure for Carbon tetrabromide and what is the geometric shape of the molecule?
shape is tetrahedral, carbon in center, Br atoms at each vertex.
Lewis structure is C with : on each four sides, with a Br attached on each side.
To determine the Lewis dot structure for Carbon tetrabromide (CBr4), we need to follow a few steps:
Step 1: Calculate the total number of valence electrons.
Carbon (C) has 4 valence electrons, and each Bromine (Br) atom has 7 valence electrons. Since there are four Bromine atoms, the total number of valence electrons in CBr4 is:
4 (from Carbon) + 4 × 7 (from Bromine) = 32 valence electrons.
Step 2: Determine the central atom.
In CBr4, Carbon (C) is the central atom because it is less electronegative than Bromine (Br).
Step 3: Connect the atoms.
Connect each Bromine (Br) atom to the central Carbon (C) atom with a single bond (represented by a dash).
Step 4: Distribute the remaining electrons.
Subtract the electrons used in the single bonds from the total number of valence electrons (32 - 8 = 24 electrons). Distribute the remaining 24 electrons around the atoms in pairs (dots) to satisfy the octet rule. Place as many electrons as possible around each atom, beginning with the outer atoms.
Step 5: Check for a complete octet.
Ensure that all atoms (except Hydrogen) have an octet (eight valence electrons). If the central atom (Carbon) does not have an octet, move a lone pair from an outer atom to form a double or triple bond between the central atom and an outer atom. Continue this process until all atoms have an octet. In this case, all atoms have an octet without forming any double or triple bonds.
The Lewis dot structure for Carbon tetrabromide (CBr4) should look like this:
Br
/
C - Br
\
Br
Now, to determine the geometric shape of the molecule, we can apply the VSEPR theory (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion). According to VSEPR theory, the electron pairs (both bonded pairs and lone pairs) around the central atom repel each other and try to position themselves as far apart as possible, leading to specific molecular shapes.
In CBr4, Carbon (C) is the central atom, and there are four Bromine (Br) atoms bonded to it. Since there are no lone pairs on the central atom, the molecular shape is tetrahedral. The bond angles between the Carbon (C) and Bromine (Br) atoms are approximately 109.5 degrees (close to the ideal tetrahedral angle).
So, the Lewis dot structure for Carbon tetrabromide (CBr4) is represented, and the geometric shape of the molecule is tetrahedral.