The molecular geometry of the BrO3-ion istrigonal pyramidaltrigonal planarbenttetrahedralT-shaped

Analysis of the Molecular Geometry of BrO₃⁻ (Bromate Ion)

• Start by determining the total number of valence electrons:
• Bromine (Br) has 7 valence electrons.
• Each oxygen atom has 6 valence electrons × 3 = 18 electrons.
• Plus 1 more electron from the negative charge = total 26 valence electrons.
• Using VSEPR theory, Br is the central atom with 3 bonded O atoms and 1 lone pair.
• This results in 4 electron regions (3 bonding + 1 lone pair), giving a base geometry of tetrahedral.
• However, because of the lone pair, the molecular geometry becomes:

• Lone pairs occupy more space and push bonding pairs closer, resulting in this specific shape.

Correct Answer:

Option A: Trigonal Pyramidal