Question

the molecular geometric shape of icl3 molecule is best described as
a trigonal bipyramidal
b trigonal planar
c t - shaped
d seesaw

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate the number of valence electrons

Iodine has 7 valence electrons and each chlorine has 7 valence electrons. So for \(ICl_3\), the total number of valence electrons is \(7+(3\times7)=28\).

Step2: Determine the electron - pair geometry

The central atom \(I\) forms 3 single bonds with \(Cl\) atoms and has 2 lone pairs. Using VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory, the electron - pair geometry is trigonal bipyramidal (because the sum of bonding pairs and lone pairs around the central atom is \(3 + 2=5\)).

Step3: Determine the molecular geometry

When there are 3 bonding pairs and 2 lone pairs, the molecular geometry is T - shaped. The lone pairs occupy the equatorial positions in the trigonal bipyramidal electron - pair geometry to minimize repulsions.

Answer:

C. T - shaped