The pairs among A=[SO32−,CO32−], B=[O22−,F2], C=[CN−,CO], D=[NH3,H3O+] and E=[MnO42−,CrO42−] that do not have similar Lewis dot structure are :
(A)A, B and E
(B)A and E✓ Correct
(C)B, C and D
(D)C and D
Answer: (B)
Solution
Two species share a Lewis structure only when they have the same count of valence electrons arranged alike. In O22− and F2 (18 valence electrons, one single bond with three lone pairs on each atom), in CN− and CO (14 electrons, a triple bond with one lone pair on each atom) and in NH3 and H3O+ (8 electrons, pyramidal with one lone pair) the partners are isoelectronic and identical. In pair A, SO32− is pyramidal with a lone pair on sulphur (26 valence electrons) whereas CO32− is trigonal planar (24 electrons), so they differ. In pair E, MnO42− carries an odd d1 electron while CrO42− is d0, so their electron tallies and dot structures are unlike.
The pairs that do not have similar Lewis structures are A and E.
JEE Main · 2026 · 06 Apr 2026 · Shift 1 · Single correct option