Question

Which of the following attain the linear structure?

(i) \[\ce{BeCl2}\]

(ii) \[\ce{NCO+}\]

(iii) \[\ce{NO2}\]

(iv) \[\ce{CS2}\]

Answer 1

(i) \[\ce{BeCl2}\]

(iv) \[\ce{CS2}\]

Explanation:

\[\ce{BeCl2 (Cl - Be - Cl)}\] and \[\ce{CS2 (S = C = S)}\] both are linear, \[\ce{NCO+}\] is non-linear. However, remember that \[\ce{NCO(N = C = O)}\] is linear because it is isoelectronic with \[\ce{CO2}\].

\[\ce{NO2}\] is angular with bond angled 132° and each \[\ce{O - N}\] bond length of 1.20A° (intermediate between single and double bond).