Question

Consider ‘n’ is the number of lone pair of electrons present in the equatorial position of the most stable structure of \( \text{ClF}_3 \). The ions from the following with ‘n’ number of unpaired electrons are:
A. \( \text{V}^{3+} \)  
B. \( \text{Ti}^{3+} \) 
C. \( \text{Cu}^{2+} \) 
D. \( \text{Ni}^{2+} \) 
E. \( \text{Ti}^{2+} \)
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, D and E Only
• B. B and C Only
• C. B and D Only
• D. A and C Only

Hint:

To determine the number of unpaired electrons, look at the electronic configurations of the ions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

ClF3 exhibits a T-shaped molecular geometry. Chlorine possesses 7 valence electrons. Within ClF3, there are 3 bonding pairs with fluorine atoms and 2 lone pairs.

The most stable arrangement for ClF3 places the two lone pairs in equatorial positions within a trigonal bipyramidal framework. Consequently, the number of lone pairs in equatorial positions is determined to be n = 2.

The objective is to identify which of the provided ions contain 2 unpaired electrons, aligning with the value n = 2:

A. V3+: Vanadium (V) has an electronic configuration of [Ar] 3d3 4s2. Therefore, V3+ possesses the electronic configuration [Ar] 3d2, resulting in 2 unpaired electrons.

B. Ti3+: Titanium (Ti) has an electronic configuration of [Ar] 3d2 4s2. Thus, Ti3+ has the electronic configuration [Ar] 3d1, exhibiting 1 unpaired electron.

C. Cu2+: Copper (Cu) has an electronic configuration of [Ar] 3d10 4s1. Consequently, Cu2+ has the electronic configuration [Ar] 3d9, showing 1 unpaired electron.

D. Ni2+: Nickel (Ni) has an electronic configuration of [Ar] 3d8 4s2. Therefore, Ni2+ has the electronic configuration [Ar] 3d8, containing 2 unpaired electrons.

E. Ti2+: Titanium (Ti) has an electronic configuration of [Ar] 3d2 4s2. Thus, Ti2+ has the electronic configuration [Ar] 3d2, exhibiting 2 unpaired electrons.

Conclusion: The ions identified with exactly 2 unpaired electrons are V3+, Ni2+, and Ti2+.

Final Answer: The final answer is (1) A, D and E only.