Chemistry · CHEMICAL BONDING AND MOLECULAR STRUCTURE

Consider the following statements regarding the molecular geometries based on VSEPR theory: (A) The shape of \( \text{SO}_2 \) is bent with an \( \text{O}-\text{S}-\text{O} \) angle reduced to approximately \( 119.5^\circ \). (B) In \( \text{SF}_4 \), the lone pair occupies an equatorial position to minimize lp–bp repulsions. (C) In \( \text{ClF}_3 \), the molecule adopts a trigonal planar shape. (D) In \( \text{XeF}_4 \), the two lone pairs are oriented trans to each other, resulting in a square planar geometry. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. A
   (A), (B) and (D) only
2. B
   (A), (B) and (C) only
3. C
   (B) and (C) only
4. D
   (C) and (D) only