One or more options correct
The correct statement(s) about the shapes and bonding of molecules and ions is(are)
- A. In the lone pair occupies an axial position of the trigonal bipyramid, giving a see-saw shape
- B. is linear, with three lone pairs on the central iodine atom
- C. is a planar triangular molecule with hybridised xenon
- D. has a trigonal bipyramidal molecular geometry
Show answer and solution
Answer: B
Use VSEPR with lone pairs placed equatorially in a trigonal bipyramid. has 4 bond pairs and 1 lone pair; the lone pair sits in an equatorial position (fewer 90 degree repulsions), giving the see-saw shape, so (A) is wrong because of the axial claim. In the central iodine has 2 bond pairs and 3 lone pairs, , and the three lone pairs occupy the equatorial plane, leaving the three atoms linear; (B) is correct. has 3 bond pairs and 1 lone pair on xenon, , so the molecule is trigonal pyramidal, not planar; (C) is wrong. has 5 bond pairs and 1 lone pair (octahedral electron geometry), so the molecular geometry is square pyramidal; (D) is wrong.
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