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

Options

A. `NO_2^(-) lt NO_2^(+) lt NO_2`
B. `NO_2^(-) lt NO_2 lt NO_2^(+)`
C. `NO_2^(+) lt NO_2 lt NO_2^(-)`
D. `NO_2^(+) lt NO_2^(-) lt NO_2`

Answer

B

Explanation

According to VSEPR theory, The order of repulsion of electrons is lp-lp repulsion gt lp-bp repulsion gt bp-bp repulsion Higher the number of lone pair of electrons (greater is repulsion ) lower is the bond angle and vice-versa. In `NO_2^-` one lone pair of electron is present while in `NO_2^+` no lone pair of electron is present. Hence the correct order of bond angles is `NO_2^(-) lt NO_2 lt NO_2^+`