What is the shape of the ClF3 molecule?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

When assessing the shape of ClF3, we should start from the electron pair geometry around the central chlorine atom. Chlorine in ClF3 has 5 electron regions around it: 3 bonding pairs (the Cl–F bonds) and 2 lone pairs. This corresponds to a trigonal bipyramidal electron-pair geometry.

Option 1: trigonal planar. This would imply a flat, 120-degree arrangement with only three regions of electron density and no lone pairs affecting geometry. However, with 5 electron regions (3 bonds + 2 lone pairs), the geometry is not trigonal planar. The presence of lone pairs in the trigonal bipyramidal framework distorts the arrangement away from a simple planar shape.

Option 2: trigonal pyramid. A trigonal pyramidal molecular shape typically arises when there are 4 electron regions (AX3E1) with one lone pair occupying an equatorial or axial position, giving a pyramid-like geometry. In ClF3 there are two lone pairs, not one, so this option describes a different electron arrangement and would not produce a trigonal pyramidal shape.

Option 3: T-shaped. With 3 bonds and 2 lone pairs in a trigonal bipyramidal arrangement, the two lone pairs preferentially occupy two equatorial positions, leaving the three Cl–F bonds occupying the axial and one equatorial positions. This yields a T-shaped molecular geometry, with bond angles close to 90 degrees between the axial bonds and the remaining equatorial bond. This option aligns with the known VSEPR arrangement for ClF3.

Option 4: tetrahedral. A tetrahedral shape corresponds to four bonding pairs and no lone pairs (AX4). ClF3 has 2 lone pairs, so the idealized tetrahedral arrangement is not appropriate here; the lone pairs push the geometry away from tetrahedral toward the T-shaped arrangement.

Option 5: I am unsure and need to study this concept to prepare for the exam. This reflects a lack of confidence or knowledge rather than a chemical reasoning choice, and it does not engage with the actual science of ClF3’s shape.

CHEM 1210 AU2025 (15738) CHEM 1210 Practice Exam #4 v2 (Ch 7.1–7.4, 8, 9.1–9.6)- Requires Respondus LockDown Browser

What is the shape of the ClF3 molecule?

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