Q93 / 180 · NEET 2026 (Cancelled) · Chemistry
Identify the correct statement about $\text{ClF}_3$ from the following options :
- Correct answerAIt has T-shaped geometry with two lone pairs on Cl atom.
- BIt has T-shaped geometry with three lone pairs on Cl atom.
- CIt has a trigonal pyramidal geometry with two lone pairs on Cl atom.
- DIt has a planar trigonal geometry with two lone pairs on Cl atom.
Solution
The central atom in $\text{ClF}_3$ is Chlorine (Cl).
Number of valence electrons of Cl = $7$.
Number of monovalent atoms (F) attached = $3$.
Steric number = $\dfrac{1}{2}(7 + 3) = 5$.
The hybridization of the central atom is $sp^3d$.
Number of bond pairs = $3$.
Number of lone pairs = $5 - 3 = 2$.
The electron geometry is trigonal bipyramidal. According to VSEPR theory, to minimize repulsion, the two lone pairs occupy the equatorial positions.
This results in a T-shaped molecular geometry.
Therefore, $\text{ClF}_3$ has a T-shaped geometry with two lone pairs on the Cl atom.
Answer: It has T-shaped geometry with two lone pairs on Cl atom.
Number of valence electrons of Cl = $7$.
Number of monovalent atoms (F) attached = $3$.
Steric number = $\dfrac{1}{2}(7 + 3) = 5$.
The hybridization of the central atom is $sp^3d$.
Number of bond pairs = $3$.
Number of lone pairs = $5 - 3 = 2$.
The electron geometry is trigonal bipyramidal. According to VSEPR theory, to minimize repulsion, the two lone pairs occupy the equatorial positions.
This results in a T-shaped molecular geometry.
Therefore, $\text{ClF}_3$ has a T-shaped geometry with two lone pairs on the Cl atom.
Answer: It has T-shaped geometry with two lone pairs on Cl atom.
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.