What is the shape of the ClF3 molecule? — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Calculate the steric number of the central Chlorine atom in ClF3: Chlorine has 7 valence electrons. Three form bonds with Fluorine, leaving 4 electrons as 2 lone pairs. Steric number = 3 bond pairs + 2 lone pairs = 5. Step 2: A steric number of 5 corresponds to sp3d hybridization with a trigonal bipyramidal arrangement. Step 3: To minimize repulsions, the 2 lone pairs occupy the equatorial positions, which forces the three fluorine atoms to form a T-shape (Bent T-shape). This corresponds to option (c).