Which of the following is an example of super octet molecule? — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: A super octet (hypervalent) molecule is one in which the central atom has more than eight valence electrons in its outer shell. Step 2: Calculate the number of electrons in the valence shell of each central atom in its bonded state: - ClF3: Chlorine (7 valence e^-) forms 3 bonds and retains 2 lone pairs, totaling 3 * 2 + 4 = 10 electrons. - PCl5: Phosphorus (5 valence e^-) forms 5 bonds, totaling 5 * 2 = 10 electrons. - IF7: Iodine (7 valence e^-) forms 7 bonds, totaling 7 * 2 = 14 electrons. Step 3: Since the central atoms in all three molecules accommodate more than 8 valence electrons, all three are super octet molecules, corresponding to option (d).