The shape of the BeCl2 molecule is linear. The correct answer is linear
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: Linear
Explanation:
The molecular shape of beryllium chloride (BeCl₂) is linear, and this can be explained by examining its electronic structure and using the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory.
Beryllium (Be) is the central atom in the BeCl₂ molecule. It is a Group 2 element with two valence electrons. Each of the two chlorine (Cl) atoms contributes one electron to form a single covalent bond with beryllium. So, the total number of electron domains (regions of electron density) around beryllium is two, both of which are bonding pairs.
According to VSEPR theory, electron domains around a central atom will arrange themselves as far apart as possible to minimize repulsion. When there are two regions of electron density, they position themselves 180 degrees apart, resulting in a linear geometry.
It is also important to note that beryllium does not follow the octet rule in this compound. In BeCl₂, beryllium only has four electrons in its valence shell after forming two bonds. However, this is acceptable for beryllium because it is a small atom and often forms compounds where it has fewer than eight electrons.
There are no lone pairs on the central atom (Be) in this molecule, which means the bonding electron pairs can arrange themselves without interference. This leads to a straight-line structure, with the Cl—Be—Cl angle being 180 degrees.
In summary, the BeCl₂ molecule has two bonding pairs and no lone pairs around the central atom, resulting in a linear shape due to the arrangement that minimizes electron pair repulsion.
