Number of lone pair(s) of electrons on central atom and the shape of BrF molecule respectively, are — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The central atom Br has seven electrons in the valence shell. Three of these will form electron pair bonds with three fluorine atoms leaving behind four electrons. Thus, there are three bond pairs and two lone pairs. According to VSEPR theory, these will occupy the corners of a trigonal bipyramid. The two lone pairs will occupy the equatorial positions to minimize lone pair- lone pair and the bond pair-lone pair repulsions which are greater than the bond pair-bond pair repulsions. In addition, the axial fluorine atoms will be bent towards the equatorial fluorine in order to minimize the lone-pair-lone pair repulsions. The shape would be that of a slightly bent 'T'.