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Question

Why CH4 can not adopt square planar geometry?

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Solution

In CH4 molecule, carbon is sp3 Hybridized, so it is tetrahedral in shape.
For square planar, dsp2 Hybridisation is required which is not possible in Carbon due to the absence of d - orbitals.
Also, we know, according to VSEPR theory, four bonded electron pairs around carbon atom arranged themselves in regular tetrahedral geometry, which bond angle is 109°28 while in square planar structure, the bond angle 90°.
Therefore CH4 can't be square planar. Hence, CH4 is tetrahedral in shape.

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