Question

Given below are two statements: Statement I: The shape of \(ICl_3^{-}\) is square planar. Statement II: The shape of \(ClBr_2^{-}\) is pyramidal. In light of above statements choose the correct option.

• A. Both statement I and statement II are correct.
• B. Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect.
• C. Statement I is incorrect but statement II is correct.
• D. Both statement I and statement II are incorrect.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept:
The molecular shape of compounds can be determined using VSEPR theory. The geometry depends on the number of bond pairs and lone pairs around the central atom. Step 1: Evaluate Statement I. For \(ICl_3^{-}\): Total valence electrons: \[ I = 7, \quad 3Cl = 3 \times 7 = 21, \quad \text{charge} = 1 \] \[ \text{Total} = 7 + 21 + 1 = 29 \] Steric number around iodine becomes \(5\) (3 bond pairs + 2 lone pairs). Electron geometry: trigonal bipyramidal. With two lone pairs occupying equatorial positions, the molecular shape becomes: \[ \text{T-shaped} \] Thus Statement I is incorrect because the shape is not square planar. Step 2: Evaluate Statement II. For \(ClBr_2^{-}\): Total valence electrons: \[ Cl = 7, \quad 2Br = 14, \quad \text{charge} = 1 \] \[ \text{Total} = 22 \] Central chlorine has steric number \(5\) (2 bond pairs + 3 lone pairs). Electron geometry: trigonal bipyramidal. With three lone pairs occupying equatorial positions, the molecular shape becomes: \[ \text{Linear} \] Thus Statement II is incorrect because the shape is not pyramidal. Step 3: Conclusion. Both statements are incorrect. \[ \boxed{\text{Option (4)}} \]