The maximum number of lone pairs of electrons on the central atom from the following species is ____
, , and
, , and
Answer: 3
Solution
Counting lone pairs on the central atom:
Maximum number of lone pairs = 3 (in ).



- : Cl has 1 lone pair (pyramidal structure)
- : Xe has 2 lone pairs (square planar)
- : S has 1 lone pair (see-saw)
- : Central I has 3 lone pairs (linear)
Maximum number of lone pairs = 3 (in ).




JEE Main · 2023 · 11 Apr 2023 · Shift 2 · Integer answer