Back to Directory
NEET CHEMISTRYMedium

In which of the following molecules are all the bonds not equal?

A

ClF3\text{ClF}_3

B

BF3\text{BF}_3

C

AlF3\text{AlF}_3

D

NF3\text{NF}_3

Step-by-Step Solution

In ClF3\text{ClF}_3, the central chlorine atom is sp3dsp^3d hybridised and possesses 3 bond pairs and 2 lone pairs of electrons. According to the VSEPR theory, it adopts a T-shaped geometry derived from a trigonal bipyramidal structure. The two lone pairs occupy the equatorial positions to minimise repulsions. As a result, the two axial Cl-F\text{Cl-F} bonds suffer greater repulsion from the lone pairs and are longer than the single equatorial Cl-F\text{Cl-F} bond. Therefore, all bonds in ClF3\text{ClF}_3 are not equal. Conversely, in BF3\text{BF}_3 (trigonal planar), AlF3\text{AlF}_3, and NF3\text{NF}_3 (trigonal pyramidal), all bonds are equivalent in length.

Practice Mode Available

Master this Topic on Sushrut

Join thousands of students and practice with AI-generated mock tests.

Get Started