VSEPR Model: Bond Angles of TeCl4

[Vshek]

Homework Statement

What are the bond angles of TeCl4

Homework Equations

none

The Attempt at a Solution

The electronic geometry should be Trigonal Bipyramidal
The molecular geometry should be See-Saw shaped (Steric Number 5, One lone pair)

I know the angles are less than those of a trigonal bipyramidal shape with 5 bond pairs (90° and 120°) but I don't know what the angles are for the see-saw shape.

Also, the VSEPR model only provides bond angles for structures with max bond pairs (for example, the steric number is 5 with five bond pairs). Does anyone know how you would determine the bond angle if there were lone pairs? Or is that only determined by experimental evidence

Thanks!

 

[nate808]

I can confirm that the bond angles of TeCl4 are indeed less than those of a trigonal bipyramidal shape with 5 bond pairs. The exact bond angles for the see-saw shape can vary slightly depending on the strength of the Te-Cl bonds and the repulsion between the lone pair and the bond pairs. However, the general range for the Te-Cl bond angles in TeCl4 is between 90° and 120°, with the lone pair causing a slight decrease in the angle.

To determine the exact bond angles, one would need to use experimental techniques such as X-ray crystallography or molecular spectroscopy. The VSEPR model can provide a good estimate for the bond angles, but it is not always accurate for molecules with lone pairs. Therefore, experimental evidence is necessary for determining the bond angles in this case. I hope this helps!