Question
Chemistry Question on Chemical bonding and molecular structure
In which of the following molecules are all the bonds not equal?
A
ClF3
B
BF3
C
AlF3
D
NF3
Answer
ClF3
Explanation
Solution
In ClF3 (Chlorine trifluoride), the central chlorine atom forms three sigma (σ) bonds with three fluorine atoms. However, due to the lone pair of electrons on the chlorine atom, there is also a lone pair - lone pair repulsion, causing distortion in the molecular geometry. This results in unequal bond lengths, and not all the bonds are equal in ClF3.
So, the correct option is (A): CIF3