The structure of `IF_(7)` is

Options

A. square pyramidal
B. trigonal bipyramidal
C. octahedral
D. pentagonal bipyramidal

Explanation

To determine the structure of IF₇ (iodine heptafluoride), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Determine the Valence Electrons
Iodine (I) is a halogen and has 7 valence electrons. Fluorine (F), also a halogen, has 7 valence electrons as well.

**Hint:** Count the valence electrons for both iodine and fluorine to understand how many bonds can be formed.

### Step 2: Identify the Central Atom
In IF₇, iodine is the central atom because it is less electronegative than fluorine and can accommodate more bonds.

**Hint:** The central atom in a molecule is typically the least electronegative element.

### Step 3: Determine the Number of Bonds
Iodine can form a maximum of 7 bonds (one with each fluorine atom). Therefore, in IF₇, iodine will form 7 single bonds with 7 fluorine atoms.

**Hint:** Each bond corresponds to one of the valence electrons from iodine being shared with a fluorine atom.

### Step 4: Determine the Molecular Geometry
To visualize the structure, we can use VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory. With 7 bonded pairs and no lone pairs, the arrangement of the bonds will be in a specific geometry.

**Hint:** Use VSEPR theory to predict the shape based on the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs.

### Step 5: Identify the Shape
The molecular geometry of IF₇ is described as "pentagonal bipyramidal." This means that five fluorine atoms are arranged in a pentagonal plane, and the other two fluorine atoms are positioned above and below this plane.

**Hint:** Recognize that the term "bipyramidal" indicates that there are two pyramids sharing a base (the pentagonal plane).

### Step 6: Determine the Hybridization
The hybridization of the central iodine atom in IF₇ can be determined by counting the number of sigma bonds. Since there are 7 sigma bonds, the hybridization is sp³d³.

**Hint:** Hybridization can be determined by the number of bonds formed by the central atom.

### Conclusion
The structure of IF₇ is pentagonal bipyramidal with sp³d³ hybridization.

### Final Answer
The structure of IF₇ is pentagonal bipyramidal.

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