In BrF₃ molecule, the lone pairs of electron occupy an equatorial position to minimize

• A) Lone pair-bond pair repulsion only
• B) Bond pair-bond pair repulsion only
• C) Lone pair-lone pair repulsion and lone pair-bond pair repulsion
• D) Lone pair-lone pair repulsion only

In the BrF₃ molecule, the arrangement of lone pairs is crucial for minimizing repulsion between electrons. The correct answer to your question is:

C) Lone pair-lone pair repulsion and lone pair-bond pair repulsion

This choice reflects that the lone pairs are positioned in the equatorial plane of the trigonal bipyramidal structure to reduce both the repulsion between the lone pairs themselves and the repulsion between the lone pairs and the bond pairs. This arrangement leads to a more stable molecular geometry.

Key Points to Remember

• The BrF₃ molecule has a trigonal bipyramidal shape.
• Lone pairs are placed in equatorial positions to minimize repulsion.
• This configuration helps achieve a stable molecular structure.