Question

In ncert book it is given that lone pair lone pair is greater than bond pair bond pair because their two nuclei acting on bond pair. But the nuclei are in opp. Directions due to which electron cloud must be greater in this case and repulsion should be greater. So why lone pairs are repulsive more ?

Answer 1

lone pair means non bonded electron pair. when electrons are non bonded they spread around and take more space. hence the lone pair - lone pair repulsion is more. bond pair means the max. electron density in between the nuclei. so, the bond pair - bond pair repulsion is lesser.