JEE Main · 2021 · Shift-IIeasyBOND-086

The correct shape and I–I–I bond angles respectively in I3- ion are:

Chemical Bonding · Class 11 · JEE Main Previous Year Question

Question

The correct shape and I–I–I bond angles respectively in I3\mathrm{I_3^-} ion are:

Options
  1. a

    T-shaped; 180° and 90°

  2. b

    Distorted trigonal planar; 135° and 90°

  3. c

    Trigonal planar; 120°

  4. d

    Linear; 180°

Correct Answerd

Linear; 180°

Detailed Solution

🧠 \ceI3\ce{I3-}: The central I has 7 valence electrons + 1 (negative charge) = 8 electrons. It forms 2 I–I bonds, using 2e; remaining 6e = 3 lone pairs. Steric number = 2 + 3 = 5 → trigonal bipyramidal electron geometry.

The 3 lone pairs occupy the 3 equatorial positions; the 2 I–I bonds are axial → linear molecular geometry with I–I–I angle = 180°.

⚠️ Trap: "T-shaped" would require 3 bonds + 2 LP (steric number 5 with 2 LP); \ceI3\ce{I3-} has only 2 bonds + 3 LP — the 3 LP push the 2 bonds all the way to axial positions, giving linear geometry.

Answer: (d) Linear; 180°\boxed{\text{Answer: (d) Linear; 180°}}

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