Diagram for the Structure of BrCl4+?

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SUMMARY

The structure of BrCl4+ is determined using VSEPR theory, where bromine (Br) serves as the central atom bonded to four chlorine (Cl) atoms. With a total of 34 valence electrons after accounting for the positive charge, the bonding configuration results in four bonding domains and one nonbonding pair on the bromine. This arrangement leads to a "see-saw" molecular shape, rather than a distorted tetrahedral shape, which is commonly misidentified. The correct geometry features axial atoms positioned 180° apart.

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Homework Statement


Draw a diagram for the structure of BrCl4+. This should be a VSEPR diagram.

Homework Equations


N/A.

The Attempt at a Solution


Br has 7 valence electrons.
Cl has 7 valence electrons.
7(5)=35, but we take away one electron because of the +1 positive charge. Now I have 34 electrons to deal with.

Put Br as the central atom.

Bond 4 Cl to it.

Complete the octet of Cl. This uses up 32 electrons total.

You have two electrons left over: put them as a pair on the Br.

This gives four bonding domains, and one nonbonding domain, so I drew a distorted tetrahedral shape.

But... apparently this is wrong, because the program won't accept that as an answer. Any ideas where my error was?
 
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You've done everything right, and you have 4 atoms + 1 lone pair around a central atom. In the US, we typically refer to the resulting shape as a "see-saw" shaped molecule. It's close to a tetrahedron, but the axial atoms are typically 180° from each other.
 

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