Question

Assertion : SeCl₄ does not have a tetrahedral structure. 

Reason : Se in SeCl₄ has two lone pairs.

(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

(b) Both A and R are true but R is not correct explanation of A

(c) A is true but R is false

(d) A and R are false

Answer 1

The correct option is (c) A is true but R is false.

Explanation:

SeCl₄ possess see-saw geometry which can be regarded as a distorted trigonal bipyramidal structure, having one lone pair (lp) of electrons in the basal position of the trigonal bipyramidal. Seesaw geometry of SeCl₄ molecules arises due to the sp³d hybridisation of the central atom. The distortion in shape is due to the presence of one lone pair of electrons.