Interhalogen Compounds
Mediumchemistry
Which interhalogen has T-shaped geometry (AX3E2)?
Select the correct option:
Solution
Incorrect! Answer:
ClF3
- Atom Count: In ClF3, Chlorine is the central atom.
- Valence Electrons: Cl has 7 valence electrons. It forms 3 sigma bonds with F, using up 3 electrons.
- Lone Pairs (E): The remaining 4 electrons form 2 lone pairs.
- Steric Number: 3 (bonds)+2 (lone pairs)=5. Electronic geometry is Trigonal Bipyramidal.
- VSEPR Distortion: To minimize lone pair-lone pair repulsion, the two lone pairs occupy equatorial positions. This leaves the 3 Fluorines in a T-shaped molecular geometry.
- Comparison: BrF5 is AX5E (Square Pyramidal), IF7 is AX7 (Pentagonal Bipyramidal).
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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- p-block elements
- Topic
- interhalogen compounds
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
ClF3
- Atom Count: In ClF3, Chlorine is the central atom.
- Valence Electrons: Cl has 7 valence electrons. It forms 3 sigma bonds with F, using up 3 electrons.
- Lone Pairs (E): The remaining 4 electrons form 2 lone pairs.
- Steric Number: 3 (bonds)+2 (lone pairs)=5. Electronic geometry is Trigonal Bipyramidal.
- VSEPR Distortion: To minimize lone pair-lone pair repulsion, the two lone pairs occupy equatorial positions. This leaves the 3 Fluorines in a T-shaped molecular geometry.
- Comparison: BrF5 is AX5E (Square Pyramidal), IF7 is AX7 (Pentagonal Bipyramidal).
This medium difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter p-block elements, covering the topic of interhalogen compounds. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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