Statement-1: \( \text{ClF}_3 \) has 3 possible structures. Statement-2: \( \text{III} \) is the most stable structure due to least lone pair-bond pair (lp-bp) repulsion.
Which of the following options is correct?
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In determining molecular stability, the structure with the least lone pair-bond pair repulsion is the most stable.
Statement-1 is correct and Statement-2 is incorrect.
Statement-1 is incorrect and Statement-2 is correct.
Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are correct.
Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are incorrect.
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The Correct Option isA
Solution and Explanation
Let's evaluate both statements:
- Statement 1: \( \text{ClF}_3 \) has 3 possible structures. This statement is correct. The molecule \( \text{ClF}_3 \) (chlorine trifluoride) can indeed have three different resonance structures, which can be derived from different orientations of the lone pairs and bonding pairs around the central chlorine atom. These structures can be represented as: 1. Structure I: \( \text{Cl} \) is surrounded by 3 fluorine atoms with lone pairs positioned accordingly. 2. Structure II: Another resonance form of \( \text{ClF}_3 \). 3. Structure III: A third form with different electron pair arrangements. - Statement 2: \( \text{III} \) is the most stable structure due to least lp-bp repulsion. This statement is incorrect. In the case of \( \text{ClF}_3 \), the structure with the least lp-bp repulsion is actually structure I, not structure III. Structure III has more lone pair-bond pair (lp-bp) repulsion due to the positioning of lone pairs. Thus, the most stable structure is the one with the least repulsion, which is structure I. Therefore, the correct answer is (1)
Statement-1 is correct and Statement-2 is incorrect.
