What is the arrangement of fluorine atoms around the arsenic atom in a molecule of AsF5?

In the molecule AsF5 (arsenic pentafluoride), the arsenic atom is the central atom surrounded by five fluorine atoms. To determine the arrangement of these atoms, we can use the concept of molecular geometry based on the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs around the central atom.

Arsenic in AsF5 has five valence electrons and forms five covalent bonds with five fluorine atoms. There are no lone pairs of electrons on the arsenic atom. This results in a coordination number of five.

The trigonal bipyramidal geometry is characteristic of molecules with five bonding pairs of electrons. In this arrangement, three fluorine atoms are positioned in a plane around the arsenic nucleus (forming a triangle), while the other two fluorine atoms are placed above and below this plane, creating a vertical alignment. This arrangement minimizes the repulsion between the bonding pairs of electrons and is optimal for five electron pairs.

Thus, the correct answer highlights the trigonal bipyramidal arrangement of fluorine atoms around the arsenic atom in AsF5.