MHT CET202619 April 2026Evening ShiftChemistryChemical Bonding and Molecular StructureActual
What is the number of bond pair of electrons and lone pair of electrons present in the valence shell of chalcogens in their hydride ?
Options
- A2 - Bond pair and 1- lone pair of electrons
- B2 - Bond pair and 2- lone pair of electrons
- C3 - Bond pair and 1- lone pair of electrons
- D3 - Bond pair and 2- lone pair of electrons
Correct answer
B. 2 - Bond pair and 2- lone pair of electrons
Step-by-step solution
Chalcogens belong to Group 16 of the periodic table and have 6 valence electrons ( ns^2 np^4 ). The general formula for the hydrides of chalcogens is H₂E (where E = O, S, Se, Te, Po ). In the formation of H₂E , the chalcogen atom shares two of its valence electrons with two hydrogen atoms to form two single covalent bonds. This results in 2 bond pairs of electrons. The remaining 4 valence electrons on the chalcogen atom do not participate in bonding and exist as 2 lone pairs of electrons. Thus, the valence shell of