Apart from tetrahedral geometry, another possible geometry forCH_(4) is square planar with four H atoms at the corners of the square and the C atom as its centre . Explain why CH_(4)is not square planar .

Apart from tetrahedral geometry, another possible geometry forCH_(4) i

1.	Apart from tetrahedral geometry, another possible geometry forCH_(4) is square planar with four H atoms at the corners of the square and the C atom as its centre . Explain why CH_(4)is not square planar .
Answer» Solution :Electronic configuration of C-atom is ` 2S^(2) 2s^(2) 2p_(x)^(1) 2p_(y)^(1)` in the ground state and ` 1s^(2) 2s^(1) 2p_(x) ^(1) 2p_(y)^(1) 2p_(z)^(1)` in The excited state . Hence,it undergoes ` sp^(3)`hybridisation which gives a tetrahedral shape. For square Plana, the hybridisation required is `dsp^(2)`which is not possible for C-atom in `CH_(4)` . ALSO according to VSEPR theory ,if ` CH_(4)` wereplanar, the bond angle would be `90^(@)`. for tetrahedral structure , the bond angle is ` 109^(@) 28`'. Thus ,in the square planer structure , repulsions between the bond pairs would be more and , THEREFORE , the stability will be less.