Question

What is called electron pair in chlorine molecule ? What is its function ?

Answer 1

In chemistry, a lone pair refers to a pair of valence electrons that are not shared with another atom[1] and is sometimes called a non-bonding pair. Lone pairs are found in the outermost electron shell of atoms. They can be identified by using a Lewis structure. Electron pairs are therefore considered lone pairs if two electrons are paired but are not used in chemical bonding. Thus, the number of lone pair electrons plus the number of bonding electrons equals the total number of valence electrons around an atom.

Lone pair is a concept used in valence shell electron pair repulsion theory (VSEPR theory) which explains the shapes of molecules. They are also referred to in the chemistry of Lewis acids and bases. However, not all non-bonding pairs of electrons are considered by chemists to be lone pairs. Examples are the transition metals where the non-bonding pairs do not influence molecular geometry and are said to be stereochemically inactive. In molecular orbital theory (fully delocalized or otherwise), the concept of a lone pair is less distinct, but orbitals that are occupied but nonbonding (or mostly nonbonding) in character are frequently regarded as "lone pairs" as well.

Answer 2

Answer:

The electron pair is shared equally between the two chlorine atoms resulting in the formation of a covalent bond in the chlorine molecule. This pair make each chlorine atom complete its octet configuration.In chemistry, an electron pair or Lewis pair consists of two electrons that occupy the same molecular orbital but have opposite spins. Gilbert N. Lewis introduced the concepts of both the electron pair and the covalent bond in a landmark paper he published in 1916.Chlorine is in group 7 and so has 7 outer electrons. The three fluorines contribute one electron each, making a total of 10 - in 5 pairs. The chlorine is forming three bonds - leaving you with 3 bonding pairs and 2 lone pairs, which will arrange themselves into a trigonal bipyramid.