What is Molecular Geometry?
The arrangement of atoms in a molecule, which is usually relative to a single central atom, is referred to as molecular geometry. It excludes lone pairs from determining a molecule’s shape, though repulsion from lone pair(s) is taken into account only in bond angles.
Bond lengths, bond angles, and torsional angles are geometrical parameters that help in determining atom position and the overall shape of a molecule. It has an effect on the properties of a substance, such as reactivity, colour, polarity, magnetism, biological activity, and phase of matter.
What is Trigonal Planar Molecular Geometry?
A trigonal planar molecular geometry model has one atom in the centre and three atoms at the corners of an equilateral triangle, known as peripheral atoms, all in the same plane. All three ligands in an ideal trigonal planar species are identical, and all bond angles are 120°. Molecules with three ligands which are non-identical deviate from this idealised geometry.
Table of Contents
- Trigonal Planar Molecular Geometry Bond Angle
- Trigonal Planar Molecular Geometry Lone Pairs
- Trigonal Planar Molecular Geometry Examples
- Trigonal Planar Molecular Geometry Polarity
- Trigonal Planar Molecular Geometry Hybridisation
- Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Trigonal Planar Molecular Geometry Bond Angle
The geometry described by trigonal planar molecular geometry revolves around a central atom that is bonded at a bond angle of 120° to three other atoms (or ligands).
Trigonal Planar Molecular Geometry Lone Pairs
The trigonal planar molecular geometry has 0 lone pairs. When there are 1 lone pair and 2 bond pairs present, the molecular geometry becomes bent or angular, whereas the electron geometry remains the same – trigonal planar.
| No. of electrons pair | No. of Bond pairs | No. of Lone pairs | Molecular Type | Electron Geometry | Molecular Geometry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 0 | AX3 |  |
 |
| 3 | 2 | 1 | AX2E |  |
 |
Read more:Molecular Geometry and Electron Geometry
Trigonal Planar Molecular Geometry Examples
Trigonal planar molecules include boron trifluoride (BF3), formaldehyde (H2CO), phosgene (COCl2), and sulphur trioxide (SO3).
Nitrate (NO3)—, carbonate (CO3)2–, and guanidinium (C(NH2)3+) are examples of ions with trigonal planar geometry.
Trigonal Planar Molecular Geometry Polarity
A trigonal planar molecule is nonpolar because the bond polarities cancel each other out, it is also due to the perfect symmetry. A molecule cannot be polar if all three positions are the same, a bent or angular molecule is polar.
Trigonal Planar Molecular Geometry Hybridisation
The sp2 hybridisation is often used to describe planar, three-connected carbon centres that are trigonal planar.
When all of the bonds are in place, the shape is trigonal planar, and the shape bends if there are only two bonds and one lone pair of electrons holding the place where a bond would be.
Frequently Asked Questions on Trigonal Planar Molecular Geometry
What is the molecular structure of trigonal planar?
A trigonal planar compound consists of a central atom connected to three atoms arranged in a triangular pattern around the central atom. The four atoms are all flat on a plane.
Is trigonal planar two-dimensional or three-dimensional?
A trigonal planar molecule’s central and surrounding atoms are all on the same plane. This gives it a two-dimensional rather than three-dimensional shape.
Is trigonal planar shape Polar?
Since the bond polarities cancel each other out, a trigonal planar molecule is nonpolar.
What is the hybridisation in trigonal planar molecular geometry?
The only possible hybridisation for trigonal planar molecular geometry is sp2.
Is it possible to have lone pairs in a trigonal planar?
No, A trigonal planar molecule has 3 bonds and 0 lone pairs, with bond angles of 120 degrees. If there is one lone pair and two bond pairs, then the molecular geometry will become bent or angular, but the electron geometry will remain the same.
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