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

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does iodine have a higher boiling point than chlorine?


What is the difference between an isotopic and isoelectronic species?


Explain how the electron pair repulsion theory can be used to deduce the shape of, and the bond angle in, PF3


Describe a 2 step synthesis to form pentan-1-ol from pentane.