In CIF3, if both lone pairs occupy axial positions then find the numbe...
In this geometry, each lone pair is 90° with the bond pairs. Hence, lone pair-bond pair repulsions are six.
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In CIF3, if both lone pairs occupy axial positions then find the numbe...
Explanation:
CIF3 is the chemical formula for chlorine trifluoride. It is a polar molecule with a trigonal bipyramidal molecular geometry. In this molecule, there are three bond pairs and two lone pairs of electrons around the central chlorine atom.
Molecular Geometry:
The molecular geometry of CIF3 is trigonal bipyramidal. The central chlorine atom is surrounded by three fluorine atoms and two lone pairs of electrons. The three fluorine atoms are located at the equatorial positions, while the two lone pairs are located at the axial positions.
Lone Pair-Bond Pair Repulsions:
In CIF3, if both lone pairs occupy axial positions, there are six lone pair-bond pair repulsions. This can be explained using VSEPR theory.
VSEPR Theory:
VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory states that electron pairs (both bond pairs and lone pairs) around a central atom will arrange themselves in a way to minimize repulsion and maximize stability.
Arrangement of Electron Pairs:
In CIF3, the three bond pairs and two lone pairs of electrons around the central chlorine atom will arrange themselves in a trigonal bipyramidal arrangement. The three bond pairs will occupy the equatorial positions, while the two lone pairs will occupy the axial positions.
Repulsions:
The VSEPR theory predicts that lone pair-bond pair repulsions are stronger than bond pair-bond pair repulsions. When both lone pairs occupy axial positions in CIF3, there will be six lone pair-bond pair repulsions. These repulsions occur between each lone pair and the three adjacent bond pairs at the equatorial positions.
Conclusion:
In CIF3, if both lone pairs occupy axial positions, there will be six lone pair-bond pair repulsions. This arrangement allows for the maximum separation between electron pairs, minimizing repulsion and maximizing stability.