Question

In the structure of CIF₃, the number of lone pair of electrons on central atom ‘Cl’ is ______.

Options

• four

• two

• one

• three

Answer 1

In the structure of CIF₃, the number of lone pair of electrons on central atom ‘Cl’ is two.

Explanation:

In ClF₃, chlorine forms three bonds with fluorine atoms and has two lone pairs of electrons on it. These two lone pairs occupy equatorial positions, making the molecule T-shaped. Thus, the central Cl atom has two lone pairs of electrons.