Question

How many lone pair of electrons are present on chlorine atom in chlorous acid ?

• A. $4$
• B. $2$
• C. $1$
• D. $3$

Hint:

Count lone pairs by subtracting bonding electrons from total valence electrons of the central atom.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Formula of chlorous acid.
Chlorous acid has the molecular formula $\mathrm{HClO_2}$.

Step 2: Valence electrons of chlorine.
Chlorine has 7 valence electrons. In $\mathrm{HClO_2}$, chlorine forms two bonds with oxygen atoms.

Step 3: Lone pair calculation.
After bond formation, chlorine retains two lone pairs of electrons.

Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, the number of lone pairs present on chlorine atom in chlorous acid is 2.