Which of the following molecules possesses exactly six lone pair - bond pair (lp-bp) repulsions at 90^ in its idealized VSEPR geometry?

Step-by-step solution

Let us evaluate the idealized geometry and the number of 90^ lone pair - bond pair (lp-bp) repulsions for each molecule: ClF ₃ : The central Cl atom has 3 bond pairs and 2 lone pairs ( sp^3d ). The lone pairs occupy equatorial positions. Each of the 2 lone pairs is at 90^ to the 2 axial bonds. Total lp-bp repulsions at 90^ = 2 2 = 4 . XeF ₂ : The central Xe atom has 2 bond pairs and 3 lone pairs ( sp^3d ). The 3 lone pairs occupy equatorial positions, and the 2 bonds are axial. Each of the 3 equatorial lone pairs i