Which of the following compounds have T-shaped structure?
A. \(XeOF_2\)
B. \(BrF_5\)
C. \(IF_7\)
D. \(ClF_3\)
E. \(XeO_3\)
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → A and D only
A T-shaped molecule has three bonded atoms and two lone pairs around the central atom. The five electron pairs point to the corners of a trigonal bipyramid; the two lone pairs take equatorial positions, and the three atoms form a bent ‘T’. Counting electron pairs around the central atom:
(A) XeOF2 — Correct. Xe has 8 valence electrons: 2 are used in the two Xe–F bonds and 2 in the Xe=O bond, leaving 4 electrons = 2 lone pairs. Three bonded atoms + 2 lone pairs: T-shaped.
(B) BrF5 — Incorrect. 5 bond pairs + 1 lone pair: square pyramidal.
(C) IF7 — Incorrect. 7 bond pairs, no lone pair: pentagonal bipyramidal.
(D) ClF3 — Correct. Cl has 7 valence electrons: 3 in Cl–F bonds, 4 left as 2 lone pairs. 3 bond pairs + 2 lone pairs: bent T-shaped.
(E) XeO3 — Incorrect. Xe uses 6 of its 8 electrons in three Xe=O bonds, leaving 1 lone pair: pyramidal.
Note: This question is from the pre-rationalised NCERT book (2022-23). The topic is not there in the latest NCERT book (2026-27), and it is also out of the CUET 2026 syllabus.
NCERT (Pre-rationalised edition, 2022-23):
Properties – …
Xenon-oxygen Compounds – …
