Question

Given below are two statements:


Statement (II): Structure III is most stable, as the orbitals having the lone pairs are axial, where the $ \ell p - \beta p $ repulsion is minimum. In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
• B. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
• C. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
• D. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect

Hint:

In reactions involving lone pairs, remember that in \( sp^3d \) hybridization, lone pairs prefer equatorial positions to minimize \( \ell p - \beta p \) repulsion, not axial positions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

- Statement I is correct. The structure involves all three possible resonance structures where the fluorine atoms are positioned at different bond angles with respect to the central atom. The lone pairs on fluorine atoms may vary depending on the electron distribution. 

- Statement II is incorrect. In \( sp^3d \) hybridization, the lone pairs occupy equatorial positions, not axial, due to minimizing \( \ell p - \beta p \) repulsion. 
Therefore, the statement about lone pairs occupying axial positions in structure III is incorrect. 
Thus, the correct answer is (2).