If two atoms have the same number of bonds, why would a compound with a lone pair of electrons on the central atom have smaller bond angles than a compound without a lone pair?

Lone electron pairs cause greater repulsion than bonding pairs; therefore, angles between bonding pairs are increased.

Both compounds would have the same bond angles because they have the same number of bonding electrons.

Bonding pairs of electrons cause greater repulsion than lone pairs; therefore, angles between the bonding pairs are increased.

Lone electron pairs cause greater repulsion than bonding pairs; therefore, angles between the bonding pairs are reduced.

Question

Chemistry

Cannon Klein

14 July, 10:10

If two atoms have the same number of bonds, why would a compound with a lone pair of electrons on the central atom have smaller bond angles than a compound without a lone pair?

Lone electron pairs cause greater repulsion than bonding pairs; therefore, angles between bonding pairs are increased.

Both compounds would have the same bond angles because they have the same number of bonding electrons.

Bonding pairs of electrons cause greater repulsion than lone pairs; therefore, angles between the bonding pairs are increased.

Lone electron pairs cause greater repulsion than bonding pairs; therefore, angles between the bonding pairs are reduced.

+4

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Lala · Answer 1

The correct answer is lone electron pairs causes greater repulsion than bonding pairs therefore angles between the bonding pairs are reduced.

Explanation:

We all know that lone pair lone pair repulsion>lone pair bond pair repulsion>bond pair bond pair repulsion.

lone pair of electrons present in central atom has greater magnitude of repulsion than that without lone pair.

As a result presence of lone pair of electrons reduces the bond angle between the bonding pairs.