Question

Which one of the following represents the correct increasing order of bond angles in given molecules?

• A. $H_{2}O<O{F}_2<OC{l}_2<Cl{O}_2$
• B. $OC{l}_2<Cl{O}_2<H_{2}O<O{F}_2$
• C. $O{F}_2<H_{2}O<OC{l}_2<Cl{O}_2$
• D. $Cl{O}_2<O{F}_2<OC{l}_2<H_{2}O$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $O{F}_2<H_{2}O<OC{l}_2<Cl{O}_2$

Since $F$ is more electronegative than $O$ in $O{F}_2$, the bond pair of electrons lie more towards $F$ whereas in $H_{2}O$ the bonded pair lies more towards $O$ which increases the bond angle in $H_{2}O$. $OC{l}_2$ has a larger bond angle than $O{F}_2$ and $H_{2}O$ as the size of $Cl$ atom is very large which results in higher repulsions and hence more bond angle. $Cl{O}_2$ has double bonds which results in a further increase in bond angle due to repulsion.