Question

Look at the Lewis structures of the following molecules and predict their 3-D shapes according to the VSEPR theory. Oxygen dichloride (OCl2)

Answer 1

Oxygen dichloride molecule consists of an oxygen atom and two chlorine atoms. According to the VSEPR theory, the 3-D shape of the compound is bent.

There are 6 valence electrons in the oxygen atom and each chlorine atom has 1 valence electrons. Therefore, there are 8 valence electrons or 4 pairs of valence electrons.

According to VSEPR theory, due repulsion between 4 pairs of valence electrons, bond angle between two O-Cl bonds becomes 110 degrees and the shape of the molecule of the compound becomes bent.