VSEPR calculation for chlorine trifluoride, ClF₃

Refer to the previous section for a discussion on the isomer possibilities for this compound.

Chlorine trifluoride, ClF₃

Lewis structure:
Central atom:	chlorine
Valence electrons on central atom:	7
3 F atoms each contribute 1 electron:	3
Total:	10
Divide by 2 to give electron pairs	5
5 electron pairs:	trigonal bipyramidal geometry for the five shape-determining electron pairs

The geometry of chlorine trifluoride, ClF3. You can use your mouse to manipulate the molecule in the right hand "Jmol" image.