Question

Among the following species, the correct set of isomolecular pairs are: \[ \mathrm{XeO}_3, \, \mathrm{CO}_3^{2-}, \, \mathrm{SO}_3, \, \mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{O}^+, \, \mathrm{ClF}_3 \]

• A. \[ (\mathrm{XeO}_3, \mathrm{CO}_3^{2-}) \quad (\mathrm{SO}_3, \mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{O}^+) \]
• B. \[ (\mathrm{XeO}_3, \mathrm{SO}_3) \quad (\mathrm{CO}_3^{2-}, \mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{O}^+) \]
• C. \[ (\mathrm{XeO}_3, \mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{O}^+) \quad (\mathrm{SO}_3, \mathrm{CO}_3^{2-}) \]
• D. \[ (\mathrm{SO}_3, \mathrm{ClF}_3) \quad (\mathrm{XeO}_3, \mathrm{CO}_3^{2-}) \]

Hint:

Isomolecular pairs in chemistry share the same molecular geometry and usually have similar electron domain distributions around the central atom.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The isomolecular pairs are those that have identical molecular shapes due to similar electron domain geometries. In this set: 
- \(\mathrm{XeO}_3\) and \(\mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{O}^+\) both have trigonal pyramidal shapes. 
- \(\mathrm{SO}_3\) and \(\mathrm{CO}_3^{2-}\) both have trigonal planar shapes.