Question

In which of the following molecules is the bond angle not affected by the presence of lone pairs?

• A. $I_3^{-}$
• B. $Xe{F}_2$
• C. $Xe{F}_4$
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of the above

Steric number of $Xe{F}_2$ has a steric number of 5 and a hybridisation of $s{p}^{3}d$. It has 3 lone pairs and 2 bond pairs of electrons in the central atom.The lone pair takes up the equitorial position and the shape is linear.


The steric number of $I_3^{-}$ is 5 and has a hybridisation of $s{p}^{3}d$. The shape of the molecule is linear. It has 3 lone pairs and 2 bond pairs of electrons in the central atom. The 3 lone pairs occupy the equitorial position and iodine is at ${180}^o$ from each other.



Steric number of $Xe{F}_4$ is 6 and its hybridisation is $s{p}^3{d}^2$. It has 2 lone pairs and 4 bond pairs of electrons in the central atom. The lone pair of electrons lie perpendicular to the equitorial plane in the octahedral geometry and has a square planar geometry. It has a bond angle of ${90}^o$ and ${180}^o$.

The lone pairs in the above structures are symmetrically placed and hence will not cause any distortion in the structure and hence the bond angle is not affected.