Mixing SbCl3 and GaCl3 in a 1;1 molar ratio (using liquid sulfur dioxide as a solvent) gives a solid ionic compound of empirical formula GaSbCl6. A controversy arises over whether this compound is (SbCl2 )(GaCl4 ) 1 2 or (GaCl2 )(SbCl4 ). 1 2 (a) Predict the molecular structures of the two anions. (b) It is learned that the cation in the compound has a bent structure. Based on this fact, which formulation is more likely to be correct

a) [GaCl4]^- Tetrahedral

[SbCl4]^- See saw

b) [SbCl2]^+ [GaCl4]^-

Explanation:

If we look at the anion, [GaCl4]^-, we can see that it contains four electron domains and no lone pairs so we usually expect it to be in a terahedral geometry.

Looking at [SbCl4]^-, there are five electron domains with one lone pair. It is usually expected to exhibit a seesaw molecular geometry.

[SbCl2]^+ (18 valence electrons) is known to possess a bent geometry(due to the presence of a lone pair of electrons on the central atom, Sb) while [GaCl2]^+ (16 valence electrons) is known to possess a linear geometry.

Since  it was stated in the question that the cation must posses a bent geometry, then the correct structure is; [SbCl2]^+ [GaCl4]^-

explanation:

two years ago, when picking flowers in the mountains back of yosemite valley, i found a book. it was blotted and storm-beaten; all of its outer pages were mealy and crumbly. the paper seemed to dissolve like the snow beneath which it had been buried, however; many of the inner pages were well preserved. and although all were more or less stained and torn, whole chapters were easily readable. this is the condition of the great open book of yosemite glaciers today; its granite pages have been torn and blurred by the same storms that wasted the castaway book.

two years ago, when picking flowers in the mountains back of yosemite valley; i found a book. it was blotted and storm-beaten, all of its outer pages were mealy and crumbly. the paper seemed to dissolve like the snow beneath which it had been buried, however, many of the inner pages were well preserved. and although all were more or less stained and torn; whole chapters were easily readable. this is the condition of the great open book of yosemite glaciers today, its granite pages have been torn and blurred by the same storms that wasted the castaway book.