VSEPR in SeCl2: Predict Bond Angle

[MysticDude]

Homework Statement

Predict the actual bond angle in SeCl₂ using the VSEPR theory.
a. more than 120°
b. between 109° and 120°
c. between 90° and 109°
d. less than 109°

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

So I tried to draw the Lewis Structure of the chemical and then the model of it. I also know that lone pairs made the bond angle smaller by about 2°.

I hope that this is the right structure:
[PLAIN]http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/7538/pretest4num4.png

Since the bond angle of a tetrahedral molecule is 109.5°, I would think that it lowered bond angles would be around 90° to 109°.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[MysticDude]

Any help? Please and thanks.

 

[Borek]

I hate to answer when I am only partially sure. Intuition tells me you are OK.

 

[MysticDude]

Thanks for the help Borek :D

 

[k-rod AP 2010]

yes you are correct. the lone pairs reduce the tetrahedral ideal angle of 109.5^o between atoms by about two or four degrees, depending on the individual atoms bonded together. So generally you are correct to assume that D is right.