Question

which of the following has the greatest number of unshared electrons around the central atom?
nh₄⁺
ch₄
clf₃
bcl₃
icl₅

Explanation:

• For $\text{NH}_4^+$: Central N has 0 unshared electrons (4 bonds, no lone pairs).
• For $\text{CH}_4$: Central C has 0 unshared electrons (4 bonds, no lone pairs).
• For $\text{ClF}_3$: Central Cl has 4 unshared electrons (2 lone pairs: $2\times2=4$).
• For $\text{BCl}_3$: Central B has 0 unshared electrons (3 bonds, no lone pairs).
• For $\text{ICl}_5$: Central I has 2 unshared electrons (1 lone pair: $1\times2=2$).

Answer:

CIF₃ (Note: Assuming the option label is a typo for ClF₃, which is the correct formula with the most unshared electrons)