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NEET CHEMISTRYChemical Bonding and Molecular StructureMedium

Question

XeF2\text{XeF}_2 is isostructural with:

A

TeF2\text{TeF}_2

B

ICl2\text{ICl}_2^-

C

SbCl3\text{SbCl}_3

D

BCl3\text{BCl}_3

Step-by-Step Solution

To determine if species are isostructural, we need to compare their shapes using VSEPR theory.

  • XeF2\text{XeF}_2: The central Xenon atom has 8 valence electrons. It forms 2 σ\sigma bonds with Fluorine atoms and has 3 lone pairs. The steric number is 5 (sp3dsp^3d hybridisation). To minimise repulsion, the 3 lone pairs occupy equatorial positions, resulting in a linear shape.
  • TeF2\text{TeF}_2: Tellurium has 6 valence electrons, forms 2 bonds, and has 2 lone pairs (sp3sp^3, bent shape).
  • ICl2\text{ICl}_2^-: The central Iodine atom has 7 valence electrons plus 1 from the negative charge, totalling 8 valence electrons. It forms 2 σ\sigma bonds with Chlorine atoms and has 3 lone pairs. The steric number is 5 (sp3dsp^3d hybridisation). Similar to XeF2\text{XeF}_2, it has a linear shape.
  • SbCl3\text{SbCl}_3: Antimony has 5 valence electrons, forms 3 bonds, and has 1 lone pair (sp3sp^3, trigonal pyramidal).
  • BCl3\text{BCl}_3: Boron has 3 valence electrons, forms 3 bonds, and has 0 lone pairs (sp2sp^2, trigonal planar). Therefore, XeF2\text{XeF}_2 is isostructural with ICl2\text{ICl}_2^-.

Exam Context & Concepts Covered

This question aligns with the NEET CHEMISTRY syllabus, specifically targeting concepts from Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure. Mastering this topic is crucial for scoring well in the upcoming medical entrance examinations. Solving conceptually related problems will help you understand the nuances of these concepts and improve your problem-solving speed.

CHEMISTRYChemical Bonding and Molecular Structuretextxefisostructural

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