Question

Identify the number of lone pair and bond pair electrons present in the valence shell of central atom in \(\text{BrF}_3\).

• A. 1 _ Lone pair and 2 _ Bond pair of electrons
• B. 2 _ Lone pair and 2 _ Bond pair of electrons
• C. 2 _ Lone pair and 3 _ Bond pair of electrons
• D. 1 _ Lone pair and 3 _ Bond pair of electrons

Hint:

Count valence electrons of Br and subtract those used for three Br-F bonds.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Electron count:
Br has the configuration $4s^2 4p^5$, so 7 valence electrons. Each fluorine shares one electron with Br.

Step 2: Distribute the pairs:
Three Br-F single bonds use 3 electrons of bromine. The remaining 4 electrons give 2 non-bonded pairs.
Steric number = 3 + 2 = 5, which is consistent with a T-shaped molecule. Hence 2 lone pairs and 3 bond pairs.

Final Answer:
The central atom has 2 lone pairs and 3 bond pairs. \[ \boxed{\text{2 lone pairs, 3 bond pairs}} \]