How many of the following statements are correct? (A) In ClF ₃ , the two lone pairs occupy axial positions to minimize lone pair-lone pair repulsion. (B) The electron pair geometry of H ₂ O is tetrahedral, while its molecular shape is bent. (C) In SF ₄ , the single lone pair occupies an equatorial position of the trigonal bipyramid. (D) XeF ₂ has a linear shape because its three lone pairs occupy the axial positions.

Step-by-step solution

Statement (A) is incorrect. In ClF ₃ , the central chlorine atom has 3 bond pairs and 2 lone pairs (steric number = 5). The lone pairs occupy equatorial positions to minimize repulsion, giving a T-shape. Statement (B) is correct. In H ₂ O , oxygen has 2 bond pairs and 2 lone pairs. The total of 4 electron pairs gives a tetrahedral electron pair geometry, but the presence of lone pairs makes the molecular shape bent. Statement (C) is correct. In SF ₄ , sulfur has 4 bond pairs and 1 lone pair. The lone pair occupies