Question

Identify the incorrect match related to structure of given interhalogen compounds.

• A. $I{F}_7$ -Pentagonal bipyramidal
• B. $Cl{F}_5$-Trigonal bipyaramid
• C. $Br{F}_3$-Bent T-shped
• D. $ClF$-Linear

Answer 1

The correct option is B $Cl{F}_5$-Trigonal bipyaramid

In the structure of $Cl{F}_5$

Due to both elements having 7 valence electrons and forming covalent bonds, it makes sense that chlorine forms 5 covalent bonds with the 5 fluorine molecules, which would normally form a trigonal bipyramidal shape.

However, this only uses up 5 of chlorine’s 7 electrons, a further two are still unbonded. These form a lone pair, which has similar repulsion to an atom.

Accounting for the lone pair alongside the 5 fluorines, we see that the shape formed is square pyramidal.

So, option B is correct.