Which of the following describes a scenario in which the molecular geometry would have the smallest bond angle (s) ? (A) four bonding domains (or bonding pairs) and zero nonbonding domains (or lone pairs) (B) two bonding domains (or bonding pairs) and two nonbonding domains (or lone pairs) (C) three bonding domains (or bonding pairs) and one nonbonding domain (or lone pair) (D) two bonding domains (or bonding pairs) and zero nonbonding domains (or lone pairs) (E) two bonding domains (or bonding pairs) and one nonbonding domain (or lone pair) (F) three bonding domains (bonding pairs) and zero nonbonding domains (or lone pairs)

Answer: The correct answer is "B" two bonding domains (or bonding pairs) or two non bonding domains (or lone pairs)

Explanation:

Molecular geometry/structure is a three dimensional shape of a molecule. It is basically an arrangement of atoms in a molecule. It is determined by the central atom, its surrounding atoms and electron pairs. According to VSEPR theory, there are 5 basic shapes of a molecule: linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal and octahedral.

A) Four bonding domains and zero non bonding domains: shape is tetrahedral and bond angle is 109.5°

B) Two bonding domains and two non bonding domains (lone pairs) : shape is bent and bond angle is 104.5°

C) Three bonding domains and one non bonding domain: shape is trigonal pyramidal and bond angle is 107°

D) Two bonding domain and zero non bonding domain: shape is linear and bond angle is 107°

E) Two bonding domain and one non bonding domain: bent shape and bond angle is 120°

F) Three bonding domains and zero nonbonding domain: shape is trigonal planar and bond angle is 120°

Hence Two bonding domains and two non bonding domains have the smallest bond angle.