To determine the molecular geometry of BrF4+, we first need to analyze its structure based on the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory.
Bromine (Br) is the central atom in this molecule and is surrounded by four fluorine (F) atoms. In its neutral state, bromine has seven valence electrons. When we consider the positive charge (BrF4+), it means that one electron has been removed from bromine, leaving it with only six valence electrons.
This gives us a total of four single bonds with the fluorine atoms and two lone pairs of electrons remaining on the bromine atom. According to VSEPR theory, we need to consider the arrangement of both bonding pairs (the bonds to fluorine) and the lone pairs.
In BrF4+, we have four bonding pairs and two lone pairs. The electron pair geometry, considering both bonding and lone pairs, is octahedral. However, because of the presence of the two lone pairs, the molecular geometry is described as square planar.
In summary, the molecular geometry of BrF4+ is square planar.