According to VSEPR theory and Non-Bonded Electron Pair Repulsion (NBEPR), what causes the bond angle — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

$Cl_2O$ is $sp^3$ hybridized. Normal VSEPR predicts the angle to shrink below $109.5^\circ$ due to the 2 lone pairs on oxygen (like water). However, the bulky chlorine atoms contain their own non-bonded electron pairs, leading to strong steric and electronic repulsion (NBEPR) that forces the bond angle open to $110.9^\circ$.