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

15190 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

In the presence of ultraviolet radiation, cyclohexane reacts with bromine. A mixture of cyclic products are formed, including C6H11Br. Discuss each step of this reaction providing equations to show the mechanism.


In terms of structure and bonding explain why the boiling point of magnesium is much higher than that of bromine?


At what temperature would 0.05 moles of nitrogen gas occupy 1000cm^3 at 50kPa?


How does a mass spectrometer work?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning