2E.1

[905416023]

On the answer key it states B) may have lone pairs. How can this be if the structure is linear and not bent?

[Benjamin Feng 1B]

One example where the molecule is linear is in AX2E3, as the electron repulsions cancel out. All of the equatorial domains are electron pairs and the 2 axial ones are in a straight line.

[Dakota Walker 1L]

Linear models can either have no lone pairs, or 3 or 4 sets of lone pairs. When the 3 or 4 sets of lone pairs are in the same plane they do not bend the bonded atoms and therefore the overall molecule can still have a linear structure.

[905416023]

Thank you guys! I truly appreciate it

[JinwooLee_1F]

AX2E1 (<120) and AX2E2 (<109.5) is bent, AX2E3 and AX2E4 are linear and ~180.