Textbook question 2E. 1

[Aaina 2D]

Hi! In the image below, question 2E 1, could someone please explain why the 2nd model may have lone pairs?

[MinjooPark_3I]

There may be an even number of lone pairs that cancel out their repulsions which is why the bond angle wouldn't change. Hope this helped!

[Isaac Wen]

Compounds with 5 or 6 electron fields can be linear if they lose all the equatorial atoms! You can look at this diagram for reference!

[AnnaNovoselov1G]

The molecular structure can be linear if there are only electron pairs (no atoms) in the equatorial plane and only the axial atoms remain. In this case, the atoms would be at the max distance apart possible (the bond angle between then would be 180 degrees). Also, the electron repulsion would be minimized.