What is the molecular geometry of BrF5?

The molecular geometry of BrF5 can be determined by examining its molecular shape using the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory. In BrF5, bromine (Br) is the central atom, and it is bonded to five fluorine (F) atoms.

Bromine has seven valence electrons. When it forms five single bonds with fluorine atoms, it uses five of its valence electrons, leaving it with two electrons that form a lone pair. This arrangement leads to a total of six regions of electron density around the bromine: five bonding pairs and one lone pair.

According to VSEPR theory, the presence of a lone pair affects the geometry of the molecule. Even though the arrangement of the five fluorine atoms would suggest a trigonal bipyramidal geometry, the lone pair occupies one of the equatorial positions. This configuration results in a square pyramidal shape for the actual molecular geometry, as the five fluorine atoms are at the vertices of a square pyramid, with the lone pair at the equatorial position preventing the full symmetry of a trigonal bipyramidal shape.

Thus, based on the bonding and lone pairs observed, the correct molecular geometry for BrF5 is square