The presence of lone pairs distorts ideal bond angles due to increased repulsion. Among the followin — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question
Question
The presence of lone pairs distorts ideal bond angles due to increased repulsion. Among the following molecules, how many possess at least one lone pair of electrons localized on the central atom? $NH_3$, $H_2O$, $CH_4$, $PCl_5$, $SF_4$, $ClF_3$, $XeF_4$, $BF_3$.
Answer: 5
💡 Solution & Explanation
The central atoms in $NH_3$ (1 lp), $H_2O$ (2 lp), $SF_4$ (1 lp), $ClF_3$ (2 lp), and $XeF_4$ (2 lp) all retain non-bonding electron pairs. The central atoms in $CH_4$, $PCl_5$, and $BF_3$ use all valence electrons in bonding, possessing 0 lone pairs. Total = 5.
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