The total number of lone pairs in a chlorine molecule is

Options

A. six
B. three
C. four
D. two

Answer

A

Explanation

`:underset(..)overset(..)Cl*+*underset(..)overset(..)Cl:rarr:underset(..)overset(..)Cl:underset(..)overset(..)Cl:`
A formula using dots to represent valence electrons is called a Lewis electron-dot formula. An electron pair (represented by a pair of dots) shared between two Cl atoms in a bonding pair while an electron pair that remains on one Cl atom and is not shared is a lone or nonbonding pair. Thus, there are 6 lone pairs, 3 on each Cl atom.