Which of the following species contains three bond pairs and one lone pair around the central atom?
— To determine the number of bond pairs and lone pairs around the central atom, we need to draw the Lewis structure for…
To determine the number of bond pairs and lone pairs around the central atom, we need to draw the Lewis structure for each species and apply VSEPR theory.
Step 1: Analyze option A)The central atom is Oxygen (O). Oxygen has 6 valence electrons. It forms two single bonds with two Hydrogen atoms. The remaining electrons form two lone pairs.
- Bond pairs = 2
- Lone pairs = 2
The central atom is Boron (B). Boron has 3 valence electrons. It forms three single bonds with three Fluorine atoms. There are no remaining valence electrons on Boron.
- Bond pairs = 3
- Lone pairs = 0
The central atom is Nitrogen (N). Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. The charge adds one more electron, so Nitrogen effectively has valence electrons. It forms two single bonds with two Hydrogen atoms. The remaining electrons form two lone pairs.
- Bond pairs = 2
- Lone pairs = 2
The central atom is Phosphorus (P). Phosphorus has 5 valence electrons. It forms three single bonds with three Chlorine atoms. The remaining electrons form one lone pair.
- Bond pairs = 3
- Lone pairs = 1
Therefore, contains three bond pairs and one lone pair around the central atom.
Correct Answer: (D)