In how many of the following all bond lengths are not equal?
`CO_(3)^(-2), O_(3), BF_(3), P_(4)" (white)", PCl_(5),SF_(4), ClF_(3), XeF_(2), XeF_(4),[ClF_(4)]^(+)`

Answer

To determine how many of the given compounds have unequal bond lengths, we need to analyze each compound based on its molecular geometry and hybridization. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

### Step 1: Analyze Each Compound

1. **CO₃²⁻ (Carbonate Ion)**
- **Steric Number**: 3 (1 carbon + 3 oxygen)
- **Hybridization**: sp²
- **Geometry**: Trigonal planar
- **Bond Lengths**: All bond lengths are equal.

2. **O₃ (Ozone)**
- **Steric Number**: 3 (1 central oxygen + 2 terminal oxygens)
- **Hybridization**: sp²
- **Geometry**: Bent
- **Bond Lengths**: All bond lengths are equal.

3. **BF₃ (Boron Trifluoride)**
- **Steric Number**: 3 (1 boron + 3 fluorines)
- **Hybridization**: sp²
- **Geometry**: Trigonal planar
- **Bond Lengths**: All bond lengths are equal.

4. **P₄ (White Phosphorus)**
- **Steric Number**: 4 (4 phosphorus atoms)
- **Hybridization**: sp³
- **Geometry**: Tetrahedral
- **Bond Lengths**: All bond lengths are equal.

5. **PCl₅ (Phosphorus Pentachloride)**
- **Steric Number**: 5 (1 phosphorus + 5 chlorines)
- **Hybridization**: sp³d
- **Geometry**: Trigonal bipyramidal
- **Bond Lengths**: Axial bonds are longer than equatorial bonds (not equal).

6. **SF₄ (Sulfur Tetrafluoride)**
- **Steric Number**: 5 (1 sulfur + 4 fluorines)
- **Hybridization**: sp³d
- **Geometry**: Seesaw
- **Bond Lengths**: Axial bonds are longer than equatorial bonds (not equal).

7. **ClF₃ (Chlorine Trifluoride)**
- **Steric Number**: 5 (1 chlorine + 3 fluorines)
- **Hybridization**: sp³d
- **Geometry**: T-shaped
- **Bond Lengths**: Axial bonds are longer than equatorial bonds (not equal).

8. **XeF₂ (Xenon Difluoride)**
- **Steric Number**: 5 (1 xenon + 2 fluorines)
- **Hybridization**: sp³d
- **Geometry**: Linear
- **Bond Lengths**: Both bonds are equal.

9. **XeF₄ (Xenon Tetrafluoride)**
- **Steric Number**: 6 (1 xenon + 4 fluorines)
- **Hybridization**: sp³d²
- **Geometry**: Square planar
- **Bond Lengths**: All bond lengths are equal.

10. **[ClF₄]⁺ (Chlorine Tetrafluoride Cation)**
- **Steric Number**: 5 (1 chlorine + 4 fluorines)
- **Hybridization**: sp³d
- **Geometry**: Seesaw
- **Bond Lengths**: Axial bonds are longer than equatorial bonds (not equal).

### Step 2: Count Compounds with Unequal Bond Lengths
From the analysis:
- Compounds with unequal bond lengths: PCl₅, SF₄, ClF₃, [ClF₄]⁺
- Total: 4 compounds

### Final Answer
**In total, 4 compounds have unequal bond lengths.**

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