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QuestionChemistry

Draw the best Lewis structure for ICl^5.
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this Lewis structure problem step by step, following the specified formatting guidelines:

Step 2:
: Determine the total number of valence electrons

• Total valence electrons: $$7 + (7 \times 5) = 42$$ electrons
• Iodine (I): 7 valence electrons • Chlorine (Cl): 7 valence electrons × 5 = 35 valence electrons

Step 3:
: Place the central atom

• Iodine (I) will be the central atom due to its lower electronegativity

Step 4:
: Connect the chlorine atoms to the central iodine

• Remaining electrons: $$42 - 10 = 32$$ electrons
• Draw single bonds between I and each Cl

Step 5:
: Distribute remaining electrons as lone pairs

• Remaining electrons: $$2$$ electrons
• Place 6 electrons (3 pairs) around each chlorine atom

Step 6:
: Place remaining electrons on central iodine

• The final 2 electrons become a lone pair on the central iodine

Step 7:
: Check the formal charges

• Verify that the structure minimizes formal charges • Confirm the octet rule for chlorines • Allow iodine to expand its octet (exceeding 8 electrons) Final Lewis Structure: • Central iodine with 5 single bonds to chlorines • 3 lone pairs on each chlorine • 1 lone pair on central iodine • Molecular geometry: Square pyramidal

Final Answer

The Lewis structure for ICl^5 consists of an iodine atom with five chlorine atoms arranged around it, with one lone pair on the central iodine and three lone pairs on each chlorine atom.