The correct order of increasing bond angles in the following species is

The correct order of increasing bond angles in the following species is
  1. $\mathrm{Cl}_2 \mathrm{O} < \mathrm{ClO}_2 < \mathrm{ClO}_2^{-}$
  2. $\mathrm{ClO}_2 < \mathrm{Cl}_2 \mathrm{O} < \mathrm{ClO}_2^{-}$
  3. $\mathrm{Cl}_2 \mathrm{O} < \mathrm{ClO}_2^{-} < \mathrm{ClO}_2$
  4. $\mathrm{ClO}_2^{-} < \mathrm{Cl}_2 \mathrm{O} < \mathrm{ClO}_2$

Solution

Key Idea As the number of lone pairs of electrons increases, bond angle decreases due to repulsion between lp-lp. Moreover, as the electronegativity of central atom decreases, bond angle decreases. Hence, the order of bond angle is ( $\mathrm{Cl}$ is less electronegative as compared to $\mathrm{O}$.)

Asked in: NEET 2010 (Screening)

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