Predict the correct order of bond angle. Give valid reasons.
$\sf Cl_2O, ~ ClO_2^-, ~ ClO_2$

Question

Predict the correct order of bond angle. Give valid reasons.
$\sf Cl_2O, ~ ClO_2^-, ~ ClO_2$

photon336 · Answer

I guess, I will start with Cl2O since that's probably the most straightforward. 

there are two chlorine atoms, and one oxygen atom. (6 valence electrons) in oxygen, while there are 7 valence electrons in the two chlorines to give (2x7) = 14 + 6 = 20 valence electrons in total. 

I guess that the structure of this molecule would be something like water, because we can see oxygen has two lone pairs, so I guess because of VESPR the lone pairs would cause the two chlorine atoms to push a bit closer together causing a bond angle to be smaller. maybe the angle has to be maybe 107 don't remember off the top of my head. 

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