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QuestionChemistry

What is the electron pair geometry around the central iodine in $I_{3}$ ?
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Step 1:
I'll solve this problem step by step, following the specified LaTeX formatting guidelines:

Step 2:
: Understand the Structure of $I_{3}^{-}$

- $I_{3}^{-}$ is a polyatomic ion consisting of three iodine atoms
- We need to determine the electron pair geometry around the central iodine atom

Step 3:
: Determine the Central Atom's Electron Configuration

- The central iodine atom will have electron pairs around it - We need to count the total number of electron domains (bonding and non-bonding pairs)

Step 4:
: Analyze the Electron Domain Arrangement

- In $I_{3}^{-}$, the central iodine has:
* Two single bonds (to the other iodine atoms) * One lone pair of electrons - Total electron domains = 3

Step 5:
: Apply VSEPR Theory

- With 3 total electron domains, the electron pair geometry is trigonal planar - The bond angles will be approximately 120°

Final Answer

Key Concept: In VSEPR theory, the number of electron domains determines the electron pair geometry, regardless of whether these domains are bonding or non-bonding pairs.