Question

In which of the following pairs, the two species are isostructural? 

(a) SO₃^2- and NO₃^- 

(b) BF₃ and NF₃ 

(c) BrO₃^- and XeO₃ 

(d) SF₄ and XeF₄

Answer 1

The correct option is : (c) BrO₃^- and XeO₃ 

Explanation:

Hybridisation of Br in BrO₃^- :

H = 1/2(7 + 0 - 0 + 1) = 4 i.e. sp³ hybridisation

Hybridisation of Xe in XeO₃ :

H = 1/2(8 + 0 - 0 + 0) = 4 i.e. sp³ hybridisation

In both BrO₃^- and XeO₃, the central atom is sp³ hybridised and contains one lone pair of electrons, hence in both the cases, the structure is trigonal pyramidal.