JEE Main 2023 — Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure Question with Solution

A bent-shaped molecule has a molecular geometry with a central atom bonded to two other atoms and one or two pairs of non-bonding electrons. The VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory helps us predict the shapes of molecules.

Let's consider the given molecules:

1. N${}_3^{-}$: The azide ion has a linear shape, not bent. The nitrogen in the middle is connected to two other nitrogens and there are no lone pairs on the central atom.




2. NO${}_2^{-}$: The nitrite ion has a bent shape. The central nitrogen atom is connected to two oxygen atoms and has one lone pair of electrons, giving it a bent geometry.




3. I${}_3^{-}$: The triiodide ion has a linear shape, not bent. The central iodine atom is connected to two other iodine atoms and there are no lone pairs on the central atom.




4. O${}_3$: Ozone has a bent shape. The central oxygen atom is connected to two other oxygen atoms and has one lone pair of electrons, giving it a bent geometry.




5. SO${}_2$: Sulfur dioxide has a bent shape. The central sulfur atom is connected to two oxygen atoms and has one lone pair of electrons, giving it a bent geometry.

Therefore, there are 3 bent-shaped molecules: NO${}_2^{-}$, O${}_3$, and SO${}_2$.