Use VSEPR theory to match the molecule with its shape. -PH₃

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

P has 5 valence electrons, S has 6, and each H has 1, giving a total of 12. The Lewis structure shows that there are 4 "groups" around the central P atom (1 S atom and 3 H atoms), so the electron pair geometry is tetrahedral. However, one of the groups is a lone pair, which has greater repulsion than a bonding pair; this causes the H-S-P bond angle to be less than 109.5 degrees and results in a pyramidal shape.

Use VSEPR Theory to Match the Molecule with Its Shape