Question

Identify all the compound(s) that are isostructural with $C{O}_2$:

(a) $BeC{l}_2$
(b) $SnC{l}_2$
(c) $Xe{F}_2$
(d) $C_2{H}_2$

• A. a, b, c
• B. a, b, d
• C. a, c, d
• D. a, b, c, d

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

a, c, d

The following compounds are isostructural with $C{O}_2$:
(a) $BeC{l}_2$, (c) $Xe{F}_2$, (d) $C_2{H}_2$.

They all have linear geometry. The central atom has two bonding domains with a bond angle of ${180}^o$.
Thus, $Cl-Be-Cl$ bond angle is ${180}^0$ and the molecule is linear.

But $SnC{l}_2$ has bent or V-shaped geometry with one lone pair of electrons and two bonding domains. The electron pair geometry is trigonal planar.