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 answerC$\mathrm{ICl}_3$
- 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'.