Question

Number of lone pair(s) of electrons on central atom and the shape of BrF₃ molecule respectively are ______.

Options

• 0, triangular planar

• 1 pyramidal

• 2, bent- T-shape

• 1, bent T-shape

Answer 1

Number of lone pair(s) of electrons on central atom and the shape of BrF₃ molecule respectively are 2, bent- T-shape.

Explanation:

In BrF₃ molecule, there are 2 lone pairs and 3 bond pairs of electrons. The central Br atom undergoes sp³d hybridisation. The expected geometry of BrF₃ is trigonal bipyramidal and actual geometry is T-shaped since 2 of the orbitals are occupied by lone pairs.