Chemistry / Unit 6 Chem 1045 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Three-Domain Geometry: Trigonal Planar and Bent
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The idea
A central atom with three electron domains and no lone pairs is trigonal planar; with one lone pair among those domains, it is bent.
In practice
Boron trifluoride, no lone pairs, is trigonal planar; sulfur dioxide, one lone pair among three domains, is bent.
Where people slip
The electron-pair geometry stays trigonal planar in both cases; only the molecular geometry changes with a lone pair.
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