Q46 / 150 · MHT CET 2025 (20 Apr Shift 1) · Chemistry

Identify a molecule having highest number of lone pair of electrons in valence shell of central atom.

  • A
    $\mathrm{NH}_3$
  • B
    $\mathrm{SF}_4$
  • Correct answer
    C
    $\mathrm{ICl}_3$
  • D
    $\mathrm{PCl}_3$

Solution

The number of lone pairs on the central atom is determined by applying VSEPR theory to each molecule's Lewis structure. For a central atom with valence electrons $V$ and bonding pairs $b$, lone pairs are obtained from $\frac{V - b}{2}$.

For $\mathrm{NH}_3$, nitrogen has $V=5$ and $b=3$, yielding $1$ lone pair.

For $\mathrm{SF}_4$, sulfur has $V=6$ and $b=4$, yielding $1$ lone pair.

For $\mathrm{ICl}_3$, iodine has $V=7$ and $b=3$, yielding $2$ lone pairs.

For $\mathrm{PCl}_3$, phosphorus has $V=5$ and $b=3$, yielding $1$ lone pair.

$\mathrm{ICl}_3$ has the highest number of lone pairs.

Final Answer: $\boxed{\text{C}}$

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

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