Shapes of Simple Molecules

1. The following triatomic compounds must of course be planar. However, their shape may be linear or bent. Choose one of these shapes for each compound.

Compound Linear Bent Compound Linear Bent
HCN CO2
O3 H2S
SO2 N2O

2. The shape assumed by the atoms of the following compounds may be trigonal-planar, square-planar, pyramidal or tetrahedral. Choose one of these shapes for each compound.
Note that these terms generally refer to the configuration of substituent atoms about a central higher-valenced atom.

Compound Trigonal-Planar Square-Planar Pyramidal Tetrahedral
BF3
CH2Br2
Cl2C=O
SO3
Cl3N
SiCl4


 


This script written by William Reusch, Dept. of Chemistry, Michigan State University. Please send comments and corrections to whreusch@pilot.msu.edu.