Understanding TeCl4 Lewis Diagram: What Causes the Lone Pair?

In summary, the Lewis diagram for TeCl4 consists of a central Tellurium atom bonded to four Chlorine atoms, each with a single bond. The Tellurium atom also has two lone pairs of electrons. To determine the number of valence electrons, refer to the periodic table and add 6 for Tellurium and 7 for each Chlorine, resulting in 28 valence electrons. The molecular geometry is tetrahedral, with a bond angle of 109.5 degrees. The central Tellurium atom has sp3 hybridization, with four electron domains and a tetrahedral molecular geometry. TeCl4 is a nonpolar molecule due to its symmetrical arrangement, despite the polar bonds between Tellurium
  • #1
ultimatebusta
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Homework Statement


I'm asked to draw the Lewis diagram of TeCl4.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


As far as I understand, Te will give away 4 electrons to all the 4Cls. Since Te has 14 electrons, it leaves it with 10 electrons.

Why would i get 1 lone pair then? I'm not getting the why behind that.
 
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  • #2
Tellurium's outermost shell will have only 6 electrons and not 14. Minus the 4 given to the Cl atoms, you will be left with single pair. This results in a see-saw geometry.
 

FAQ: Understanding TeCl4 Lewis Diagram: What Causes the Lone Pair?

What is the Lewis diagram for TeCl4?

The Lewis diagram for TeCl4 (Tellurium tetrachloride) consists of a central Tellurium atom bonded to four Chlorine atoms, each represented by a single line. The Tellurium atom also has two lone pairs of electrons.

How do you determine the number of valence electrons in TeCl4?

To determine the number of valence electrons in TeCl4, you can refer to the periodic table. Tellurium is in group 16, so it has 6 valence electrons. Each Chlorine atom contributes 7 valence electrons, giving a total of 28 valence electrons for TeCl4.

What is the molecular geometry of TeCl4?

The molecular geometry of TeCl4 is tetrahedral. This means the four Chlorine atoms are arranged symmetrically around the central Tellurium atom, with a bond angle of 109.5 degrees.

What is the hybridization of the central atom in TeCl4?

The central Tellurium atom in TeCl4 has sp3 hybridization. This means it has four electron domains, including the four bonding pairs with Chlorine atoms and two lone pairs, resulting in a tetrahedral molecular geometry.

Is TeCl4 a polar or nonpolar molecule?

TeCl4 is a nonpolar molecule. Although the bonds between Tellurium and Chlorine are polar, the molecule as a whole is symmetrical, resulting in a cancellation of dipole moments and an overall nonpolar molecule.

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