question_answer

Why is \[MgC{{l}_{2}}\] molecule linear whereas the molecule of \[SnC{{l}_{2}}\] chloride has angular shape?

Answer:

                Let us find the hybridisation of central atom in both these molecules. In \[MgC{{l}_{2}}\], hybridisation of \[Mg\]\[=1/2[2+2-0+0]=4/2=2\,(sp)\] In \[SnC{{l}_{2}}\], hybridisation of \[Sn\]\[=1/2[4+2-0+0]=6/2=3\,(s{{p}^{2}})\] Thus, \[MgC{{l}_{2}}\] is linear while \[SnC{{l}_{2}}\]  is expected to have planar geometry. However, the presence of a lone pair of electrons on \[Sn\]  atom makes it angular.