Question

because lone pairs are larger than bonding pairs, lone pair-lone pair interactions are greater than lone pair-bonding pair interactions, which are in turn larger than bonding pair-bonding pair interactions. Using this notion, suggest how the following species would distort from regular geometries: a. OF2
b. SCl2
c.PF3

Answer 1

Concepts and reason

The concept used here to solve the problem is based on the Valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR ) theory.

By using this theory, the distortion from actual geometry i.e. molecular geometry / shape of molecules can be identified.

Fundamentals

Valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR ) theory:

This theory is used to predict the hybridization of molecules on the basis of a number of atoms and electron pairs.

Lewis structure:

It is an electron dot structure which represents the bonding and non-bonding electrons.

One of the examples is given below.

Bonding electrons:

These are the electron pairs which take part in the bond formation between two atoms.

Non-bonding electrons:

These are the electron pairs which are not involved in bonding. These are also known as “Lone pairs”. These are found in the outermost shell of an atom.

(a)

The VSEPR sketch of is shown below.

The shape of is bent.

(b)

The VSEPR sketch of is shown below.

The shape of is bent.

(c)

The VSEPR sketch of is shown below.

The shape of is pyramidal.

Ans: Part.a

The shape of is bent.