Question

The number of electron pairs (ep) in $Cl{F}_3$ is .

• A. 7
• B. 6
• C. 5

Answer 1

The correct option is C 5

The formula for electron pairs is

ep = $\frac{(V+L+A-C)}{2}$
Where V = number of valance electrons of central, L = number of Ligands;
A = Anionic charge, Cationic charge

In $Cl{F}_3$,

The central atom is $Cl$.

Valance electrons in chlorine is 7

Number of Ligands = 3

Therefore,

ep = $\frac{(7+3+0-0)}{2}$

ep = $\frac{10}{2}$

ep = 5

$\therefore$ The number of electron pairs in $Cl{F}_3$ is 5