Question

The species that has ‘T’ shape is _ _ _.

• A. PCl$_3$
• B. SOCl$_2$
• C. BrF$_3$
• D. [IO$_3$]$^-$

Hint:

T-shape arises from trigonal bipyramidal geometry when two lone pairs occupy equatorial positions (AX$_3$E$_2$ type)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Use VSEPR theory.
Shape of molecules depends on number of bond pairs and lone pairs around central atomWe determine steric number = bond pairs + lone pairs

Step 2: Analyze PCl$_3$.
PCl$_3$ has 3 bond pairs and 1 lone pairIt has tetrahedral electron geometry and trigonal pyramidal shapeNot T-shaped

Step 3: Analyze SOCl$_2$.
SOCl$_2$ has 3 bond pairs (2 Cl + 1 O) and 1 lone pairThus, it is also trigonal pyramidalNot T-shaped

Step 4: Analyze BrF$_3$.
BrF$_3$ has 3 bond pairs and 2 lone pairsSteric number = 5 → trigonal bipyramidal electron geometry
Two lone pairs occupy equatorial positions, leaving three F atoms arranged in a T-shape

Step 5: Analyze [IO$_3$]$^-$.
[IO$_3$]$^-$ has 3 bond pairs and 1 lone pairThus, it has trigonal pyramidal shapeNot T-shaped

Step 6: Identify correct structure.
Only BrF$_3$ has AX$_3$E$_2$ configuration which gives T-shaped geometry

Step 7: Conclusion.
\[ \boxed{\text{BrF}_3} \]