The correct order of increasing bond angles in the following species is

Options

A. `ClO_(2)^(-) lt Cl_(2)O lt ClO_(2)`
B. `Cl_(2)O lt ClO_(2) lt ClO_(2)^(-)`
C. `ClO_(2) lt Cl_(2)O lt ClO_(2)^(-)`
D. `Cl_(2)O lt ClO_(2)^(-)`

Answer

A

Explanation

In `ClO_(2)`, Cl is `sp^(2)`-hybridized and the bond angle is `118^(@)`. In `Cl_(2)O`, O is `sp^(3)`-hybridized. However, due to repulsions between two big sized Cl atoms, the bond angle increases from `109^(@)`-28' to `111^(@)`. In `ClO_(2)^(-)`, Cl atom is also `sp^(3)`-hybridized but due to lp-bp repulsions, the angle decreases from `1096(@)`-28' to `103^(@)`. Thus the increasing order of bond angles is : `ClO_(2)^(-) lt Cl_(2)O lt ClO_(2)`