Question

Which of the following do represent the characteristic of
$Cl{O}_2$ ?

• A. $Cl{O}_2$ is an odd electron molecule
• B. $Cl{O}_2$ does not dimerise although $C{l}_2{O}_4$ exists
• C. it has a two-center three-electron bond
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of the above

The $Cl{O}_2$ molecule is paramagnetic and contains an
odd number of electrons. Odd electron molecules tend to be
highly reactive and Chlorine (IV) oxide is no different.

Odd electron molecules dimerize to pair the odd electron
but $Cl{O}_2$ doesn't. This may be because the odd
electron may be delocalized. The molecule is angular with
a O-Cl-O angle of 118 ${}^{\circ }$.