Question

Compare x and y bond angle in above molecule :

• A. $x>y$
• B. $y>x$
• C. $x=y$
• D. None of these

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$x>y$

The bond angle $x$ is greater than the bond angle $y$. The bond angle $x$ is ${118}^0$ and the bond angle $y$ is ${79}^0$. The bond pair of electrons is more towards bridged Cl atom than that for terminal chlorine atom. This results in greater repulsion between terminal bond pairs than between bridged bond pairs.