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Which of the following best describes the molecular geometry of ClF3?

A. T-shaped
B. trigonal planar
C. trigonal bipyramidal
D. trigonal pyramidal
E. tetrahedral

1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

The molecular geometry of ClF3 is T-shaped, which corresponds to a trigonal bipyramidal electron-pair geometry with the lone pairs occupying the equatorial positions for minimal repulsion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The molecular geometry of ClF3, or chlorine trifluoride, can be determined by considering both the electron-pair geometry and the molecular structure of the compound. Chlorine trifluoride has a total of five electron groups - three bonded fluorine atoms and two lone pairs on the central chlorine atom

According to the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory, these groups will arrange themselves to minimize repulsion, resulting in a trigonal bipyramidal electron-pair geometry. However, for the molecular structure, the two lone pairs will occupy the equatorial positions in this geometry to minimize repulsion further, leading to the observed T-shaped molecular geometry.

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