AP Chemistryhardmcq1 pt
Chlorine trifluoride, ClF₃, has five electron domains around chlorine: three bonding pairs and two lone pairs. What is its molecular geometry?
A.Trigonal planar
B.T-shaped
C.Trigonal pyramidal
D.See-saw
Explanation
Core Concept
Five domains adopt a trigonal bipyramidal electron arrangement, and lone pairs claim equatorial slots where they meet fewer 90-degree neighbors. With both lone pairs equatorial, only three fluorines define the visible shape: two axial plus one equatorial, forming a T. Molecular geometry names atom positions only, so the hidden lone pairs never appear in the label.
Correct Answer
BT-shaped
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