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): The molecule ClF ₃ has a bent T-shape geometry. Reason (R): In ClF ₃ , the central chlorine atom is sp^3d hybridized and its two lone pairs occupy axial positions to minimize 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 correct but (R) is not correct
- D(A) is not correct but (R) is correct
Correct answer
C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
Step-by-step solution
For ClF ₃ , the central Cl atom has 7 valence electrons. It forms 3 single bonds with F atoms and has 2 lone pairs. The steric number is 3 + 2 = 5 , which corresponds to sp^3d hybridization and a trigonal bipyramidal electron geometry. According to VSEPR theory, lone pairs occupy the equatorial positions in a trigonal bipyramidal geometry to minimize repulsions, as equatorial positions experience fewer 90^ repulsions compared to axial positions. Placing the two lone pairs in equatorial positions results in a bent T