Question

Observe the following molecules:
\({SO}_2, {H}_2{O}, {HgCl}_2, {BeCl}_2, {XeF}_2, {O}_3, {NO}_2, {PbCl}_2\).
The number of molecules with the same geometry as that of \({SnCl}_2\) is:

• A. 6
• B. 5
• C. 4
• D. 3

Hint:

Molecules with lone pairs on central atom often have bent geometries similar to \({SnCl}_2\).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

\({SnCl}_2\) has a bent or V-shaped geometry due to lone pair on Sn. 
Count molecules with similar bent geometry: 
- \({SO}_2\) : bent 
- \({H}_2{O}\) : bent 
- \({NO}_2\) : bent 
- \({O}_3\) : bent 
- \({PbCl}_2\) : bent 
Other molecules like \({HgCl}_2\), \({BeCl}_2\), \({XeF}_2\) have linear or different geometries. 
Total = 5 molecules.