Using the VSEPR theory, predict the shape of CCl4 and its approximate bond angles.
- Draw out the lewis structure of CCl4 by counting the number of valence electrons on each atom. C=4, Cl=7 therefore total valence electrons is 4+(7x4)=32 and total valence electron pairs is 16. 2. Determine the number of electron domains on the central atom from the lewis structure. This tells you the geometry that the molecule is based on. CCl4 has 4 electron domains and is therefore based on tetrahedral. 3. Determine the number of lone pairs on the central atom from the lewis structure. CCl4 has no lone pairs on the central carbon and is therefore of tetrahedral geometry. 4. Recall bond angles of tetrahedral geometry to be 109.5 degrees. There will be no deviation from this expected angle as all Cl atoms are the same and are thus repel each other equally.
