NEETChemistryChemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): BrF ₃ molecule has a T-shaped geometry. Reason (R): In BrF ₃ , the central Br atom is sp^3d hybridized and its two lone pairs occupy the axial positions to minimize electron repulsion. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Options
- ABoth (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
- BBoth (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
- C(A) is not correct but (R) is correct
- D(A) is correct but (R) is not correct
Correct answer
D. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
Step-by-step solution
For BrF ₃ , the central atom is Br. Number of valence electrons of Br = 7 . Number of monovalent atoms (F) = 3 . Steric number = 1 2 (7 + 3) = 5 . The hybridization of the central atom is sp^3d . Number of bond pairs = 3 . Number of lone pairs = 5 - 3 = 2 . According to VSEPR theory for sp^3d hybridization, lone pairs preferentially occupy the equatorial positions (not axial) to minimize lone pair-bond pair and lone pair-lone pair repulsions at 90^ . Placing the two lone pairs in equatorial positions results in a T