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P Block Elements question

2012 · Shift 0 · Q17
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P Block Elements question

2012 · Shift 0 · Q17

JEE MainChemistryP Block ElementsMCQ+4 / −1
The molecule having smallest bond angle is :
  1. A
    NCl3NCl_3NCl3​
  2. B
    AsCl3AsCl_3AsCl3​
  3. C
    SbCl3SbCl_3SbCl3​
  4. D
    PCl3PCl_3PCl3​
View written solutionFree

Correct answer: C

  1. Identify the type of molecules

All the given molecules are of the type ECl3ECl_3ECl3​ where E=N,P,As,SbE = N, P, As, SbE=N,P,As,Sb.

Each central atom has:

  • 555 valence electrons
  • forms 333 bonds with ClClCl
  • has 111 lone pair

So, all have trigonal pyramidal shape with tetrahedral electron-pair geometry.


  1. Factor affecting bond angle

For group 15 trichlorides, the bond angle generally decreases down the group:

NCl3>PCl3>AsCl3>SbCl3NCl_3 > PCl_3 > AsCl_3 > SbCl_3NCl3​>PCl3​>AsCl3​>SbCl3​

This happens because as we move down the group:

  • size of central atom increases,
  • hybridization becomes less effective,
  • bonding tends toward nearly pure ppp-orbital character,
  • bond angle approaches 90∘90^\circ90∘.

Thus, the smallest bond angle should be for the heaviest central atom among the options, i.e. SbCl3SbCl_3SbCl3​.


  1. Check options
  • A: NCl3NCl_3NCl3​ — larger bond angle
  • B: AsCl3AsCl_3AsCl3​ — smaller than PCl3PCl_3PCl3​, but not the smallest
  • C: SbCl3SbCl_3SbCl3​ — smallest bond angle
  • D: PCl3PCl_3PCl3​ — larger than AsCl3AsCl_3AsCl3​ and SbCl3SbCl_3SbCl3​

  1. Final answer

The molecule having the smallest bond angle is:

SbCl3\boxed{SbCl_3}SbCl3​​

So, Option C is correct.

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