Q33 / 180 · AIIMS 2005 · Chemistry

Assertion : $\mathrm{SeCl}_4$ does not have a tetrahedral structure. Reason : $\mathrm{Se}$ in $\mathrm{SeCl}_4$ has two lone pairs.

  • A
    If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion
  • B
    If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion
  • Correct answer
    C
    If assertion is true but reason is false
  • D
    If both assertion and reason are false.

Solution

$\mathrm{SeCl}_4$ possess see saw geometry, which can be regarded as a distorted trigonal bipyramidal structure, having one lone pair (lp) of electrons in the basal position of the trigonal bipyramidal. Seesaw geometry of $\mathrm{SeCl}_4$ molecules arises due to the $s p^3 d$ hybridisation of the central atom. The distortion in shape is due to the presence of one lone pair of electrons.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.

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