Question

Which of the following pairs of molecules is isostructural?

• A. \(HgCl_2, \, SO_2\)
• B. \(SnCl_2, \, PbCl_2\)
• C. \(SF_4, \, XeF_4\)
• D. \(NH_3, \, SO_3\)

Hint:

Isostructural molecules have the same shape and bonding arrangements, despite possibly having different atoms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Analyzing the structure of \(SnCl_2\) and \(PbCl_2\).
Both \(SnCl_2\) and \(PbCl_2\) are in the same group of the periodic table and exhibit similar bonding patterns. Both molecules have a bent structure (V-shaped), with a lone pair of electrons on the central atom.
Step 2: Checking other options.
Option (1) \(HgCl_2, \, SO_2\) has different structures. \(HgCl_2\) is linear, while \(SO_2\) is bent.
Option (3) \(SF_4, \, XeF_4\) have different structures. \(SF_4\) is seesaw-shaped, and \(XeF_4\) is square planar.
Option (4) \(NH_3, \, SO_3\) have different structures. \(NH_3\) is trigonal pyramidal, and \(SO_3\) is trigonal planar.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is option (2), where both \(SnCl_2\) and \(PbCl_2\) are isostructural.