The number of lone pairs of electrons on the central I atom in is

Question

The number of lone pairs of electrons on the central I atom in  is

Canvas Classes · Accepted Answer

Step 1 — Valence electrons in :
- 3 × I(7) + 1(charge) = 22 valence electrons

Step 2 — Lewis structure:
- 2 I–I bonds use 4 electrons
- Remaining 18 electrons distributed as lone pairs
- Central I: 3 lone pairs
- Each terminal I: 3 lone pairs

Step 3 — Verify VSEPR:
- Central I: 2 bonds + 3 lone pairs = 5 electron pairs → trigonal bipyramidal electron geometry
- 3 lone pairs in equatorial positions → linear molecular shape

Lone pairs on central I = 3

Answer: 3

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