Question

According to the VSEPR theory, the shape of $ClO_3^{-}$ would be

• A. Linear
• B. Triangular planar
• C. Pyramidal
• D. Square planar

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Pyramidal

Answer 2

According to VSEPR theory, the shape of a molecule depends upon the number of valence shell electron pairs around the central atom. Pairs of electrons in the valence shell repel each other. The order of their repulsions is

$l p-l p>l p-b p>b p-b p$

The geometry of $ClO _{3}^{-}$ is tetrahedron but due to the presence of $l p-b p$ repulsion, the structure changes to pyramidal shape.