The molecular geometry of BeCl2 (Beryllium Chloride) is linear. This means that the molecule forms a straight line with the Beryllium atom at the center and the two Chlorine atoms on either side.
Here’s why:
- Beryllium (Be) has two valence electrons.
- Each Chlorine (Cl) atom has seven valence electrons.
- In BeCl2, Beryllium shares one electron with each Chlorine atom, forming two single covalent bonds.
- Since Beryllium has no lone pairs of electrons, the two bonds repel each other equally, resulting in a linear shape.
This linear geometry minimizes electron pair repulsion, making the molecule stable.