Question

Give the number of lone pairs around the central atom and the molecular geometry of SCl2. Multiple Choice 3 lone pairs, linear 1 lone pair, bent 3 lone pairs, bent 0 lone pairs, linear 2 lone pairs, bent

Answer 1

2 lone pairs, bent

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory, the number of electron pairs on the valence shell of the central atom in a molecule influences the shape of the molecule.

The presence of lone pairs on the valence shell of the central atom causes the observed molecular geometry to deviate from the ideal geometry predicted on the basis of the valence shell electron pair repulsion theory.

SCl2 has four regions of electron density. This means that its electron domain geometry is tetrahedral. However, there are two lone pairs on the valence shell of the central atom hence the observed molecular geometry is bent.