Answer:
There are 6 nonbonding electron pairs are in a hypochlorite ion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lewis structure of ClO⁻ is drawn as,
1) Add valence electrons of both elements along with additional one electron present in the form of negative charge on molecular ion, so,
Valence e⁻ of Cl = 7
Valence e⁻ of O = 6
e⁻ for negative charge = 1
------------
Total e⁻ 14
2) Draw both elements and connect them by single bond, and subtract 2 electrons from total valence electrons,
So,
14 - 2 = 12
Now distribute remaining 12 electrons on both element in order to complete their octet.
Result:
Each element gets three lone pair of electrons which are not involed in bonding. Therefore, overall 6 nonbonding electron pairs are present on ClO⁻ ion.