Draw the structure of chlorine pentafluoride (ClF5) according to the VSEPR theory

The molecule is uncharged, so we can find that chlorine is in its +5 oxidation state. Since there are 5 Cl-F bonds, there are 5 bonding electron pairs around the central Cl atom. We also know that chlorine is in group 7, so it has 7 valence electrons. 5 out of those seven are "tied up" in the Cl-F bonds, thus the remaining two must form a non-bonding electron pair. We have 6 electron pairs (5 bonding and 1 non-bonding) to arrange around the chlorine center - which suggests an octahedral shape. However, since we have one electron pair, the shape of the molecule will be pyramidal.

PS
Answered by Peter S. Chemistry tutor

14187 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What evidences are used to prove that Benzene's kekule model is incorrect and that Benzene has a delocalised Pi structure.


Briefly describe the concept of electronegativity and explain why CCl4 is a non-polar molecule


Why does the ionisation energy of period 2 elements increase along the period, but drop for boron and oxygen?


Identify the dehydration product or products of a) ethanol, b) button-2-ol


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning