JEE MainChemistryChemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
Which of the following correctly describes the central atom hybridization, the number of lone pairs on the central atom, and the nature of bond lengths in a ClF ₃ molecule?
Options
- Asp ^3 d hybridization, 2 lone pairs, all bond lengths are equal
- Bsp ^3 d hybridization, 2 lone pairs, bond lengths are unequal
- Csp ^3 hybridization, 1 lone pair, bond lengths are unequal
- Dsp ^3 d ^2 hybridization, 3 lone pairs, all bond lengths are equal
Correct answer
B. sp ^3 d hybridization, 2 lone pairs, bond lengths are unequal
Step-by-step solution
For ClF ₃ : The number of valence electrons on the central atom Cl is 7 . The number of monovalent atoms ( F ) is 3 . Steric number = 7 + 3 2 = 5 . This corresponds to sp ^3 d hybridization. Since there are 3 bond pairs, the number of lone pairs on Cl is 5 - 3 = 2 . In sp ^3 d hybridization with 2 lone pairs, the lone pairs occupy equatorial positions to minimize repulsion, resulting in a T-shaped molecular geometry. Due to the unequal repulsion experienced by axial and equatorial bonds, the axial Cl - F bonds are