Question

In $Br{F}_3$ molecule, the lone pairs of electron occupy equatorial position to minimize :

• A. lone pair-bond pair repulsion only
• B. bond pair-bond pair repulsion only
• C. lone pair-lone pair repulsion and lone pair-bonf pair repulsion
• D. lone pair-lone pair repulsion only

Answer 1

The correct option is D lone pair-lone pair repulsion only

$Br$ atom has 2 lone pairs of electrons and 3 bond pairs of electrons. The electronic geometry is trigonal bipyramidal. Lone pairs are present in the equatorial plane.

Hence, the molecular geometry will be T-shaped. In equatorial position, the angle between a lone pair and a lone pair is ${120}^0$. If the lone pairs were in an axial plane, the angle between a lone pair and a bond pair would be ${90}^0$.

So, In $Br{F}_3$ molecule, the lone pairs occupy an equatorial position to minimize lone pair-lone pair repulsion only.

Thus, the correct option is $D$