Question

answer the questions in the table below about the shape of the iodite (io₂⁻) anion. how many electron groups are around the central iodine atom? note: one \electron group\ means one lone pair, one single bond, one double bond, or one triple bond. what phrase best describes the arrangement of these electron groups around the central iodine atom? (you may need to use the scrollbar to see all the choices.)

Explanation:

Step1: Draw Lewis structure

The iodite ($IO_2^-$) anion has iodine (I) as the central atom. Iodine has 7 valence - electrons, oxygen has 6 valence - electrons, and there is an extra electron due to the negative charge. The Lewis structure shows that iodine is bonded to two oxygen atoms and has two lone pairs.

Step2: Count electron groups

Each single bond to oxygen and each lone pair on iodine is an electron group. So, there are 2 single bonds + 2 lone pairs = 4 electron groups around the central iodine atom.

Step3: Determine electron - group arrangement

According to the VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory, when there are 4 electron groups around a central atom, the electron - group arrangement is tetrahedral.

Answer:

How many electron groups are around the central iodine atom? 4
What phrase best describes the arrangement of these electron groups around the central iodine atom? tetrahedral