Question

Which of the following is true about $ClO _{2}$ ?

• A. It is paramagnetic
• B. It dimerises in liquid phase
• C. It is a linear molecule
• D. It is very reactive

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

It is paramagnetic

Answer 2

ClO molecule has an angular structure with O-Cl-O bond angle of 117.6?. The molecule is supposed to contain a three electron bond. Its structure is believed to be a resonance hybrid of the following two structures : The structure arises from sp d hybridisation of Cl-atom. The molecule is paramagnetic due to the presence of three electron bond.