The electron-domain geometry and molecular geometry of the nitrite ion are ________ and ________,respectively.
A)trigonal bipyramidal, trigonal planar
B)tetrahedral, trigonal pyramidal
C)trigonal bipyramidal,T-shaped
D)trigonal planar, bent
E)T-shaped, trigonal planar

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nitrite ion has three electron domains (two single bonds and one lone pair), which gives it a trigonal planar electron-domain geometry. However, the lone pair causes some electron repulsion and pushes the two bonding oxygen atoms closer together, resulting in a bent molecular geometry. Therefore, choice D (trigonal planar, bent) is the correct answer.

The Electron-Domain Geometry and Molecular Geometry of the Nitrite Ion