Question

How many lone pair(s) is/are present in central atom $I$ of $I_3^{-}$ ion?

Answer 1

Three lone pairs are present in central atom $I$ of $I_3^{-}$ ion. Iodine atom has 7 valence electrons. it gains 1 electron to form iodide ion. Out of 8 valence electrons, 2 are involved in formation of two $I-I$ bonds. the remaining six electrons are present as three lone pairs.