MCQEasyJEE 2026VSEPR Theory & Shapes of Molecules

JEE Chemistry 2026 Question with Solution

Among the following, the CORRECT combinations are

A. IF3\mathrm{IF_3} \rightarrow T-shaped (sp3dsp^3d)

B. IF5\mathrm{IF_5} \rightarrow Square pyramidal (sp3d2sp^3d^2)

C. IF7\mathrm{IF_7} \rightarrow Pentagonal bipyramidal (sp3d3sp^3d^3)

D. ClO4\mathrm{ClO_4^-} \rightarrow Square planar (sp2dsp^2d)

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  • A

    A, B, C and D

  • B

    B, C and D only

  • C

    A and B only

  • D

    A, B and C only

Answer

Correct answer:A

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given: The combinations list the molecular shape and hybridization of IF3\mathrm{IF_3}, IF5\mathrm{IF_5}, IF7\mathrm{IF_7} and ClO4\mathrm{ClO_4^-}.

Find: Which combinations are correct.

Hybridization is determined by the total number of sigma bonds and lone pairs around the central atom.

Step 1: Geometry of IF3\mathrm{IF_3}

IF3\mathrm{IF_3}

has two lone pairs and three bond pairs with sp3dsp^3d hybridization, giving a T-shaped geometry.

Step 2: Geometry of IF5\mathrm{IF_5}

IF5\mathrm{IF_5}

has one lone pair and five bond pairs with sp3d2sp^3d^2 hybridization, giving square pyramidal geometry.

Step 3: Geometry of IF7\mathrm{IF_7}

IF7\mathrm{IF_7}

has seven bond pairs and no lone pair with sp3d3sp^3d^3 hybridization, giving pentagonal bipyramidal geometry.

Step 4: Geometry of ClO4\mathrm{ClO_4^-}

ClO4\mathrm{ClO_4^-}

has sp2dsp^2d hybridization and square planar electron geometry.

Step 5: Conclusion All given combinations are correct. Therefore, the correct option is A.

Statement-wise Check

Given: Four statement-wise combinations of shape and hybridization are provided.

Find: Whether statements A, B, C and D are correct.

From the extracted solution:

  • A is stated correct for IF3\mathrm{IF_3} as T-shaped with sp3dsp^3d hybridization.
  • B is stated correct for IF5\mathrm{IF_5} as square pyramidal with sp3d2sp^3d^2 hybridization.
  • C is stated correct for IF7\mathrm{IF_7} as pentagonal bipyramidal with sp3d3sp^3d^3 hybridization.
  • D is also stated correct for ClO4\mathrm{ClO_4^-} in the provided solution.

Hence all four listed combinations are treated as correct by the source solution, so the answer corresponds to A, B, C and D.

Therefore, the correct option is A.

Common mistakes

  • Students often count only bonded atoms and ignore lone pairs on the central atom. This gives the wrong hybridization and shape. Instead, count both sigma bonds and lone pairs before assigning geometry.

  • A common mistake is to confuse electron-pair arrangement with molecular shape. The observed shape depends on the positions of atoms after accounting for lone-pair repulsion. Always distinguish electron geometry from molecular geometry.

  • Some students match the compound name with a memorized shape without checking the coordination number. This can lead to choosing incomplete option sets. Verify each species individually before selecting the combined option.

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