1. ClO₃^- , CO₃²⁻ 2. SO₃²⁻ , NO₃^- 3. ClO₃^- , SO₃²⁻ 4. CO₃²⁻ , NO₃^-

Answer: Dropped in the official answer key: full marks to every candidate Key idea: compare total electrons and shape. CO₃²⁻ and NO₃^- : 32 electrons each, both trigonal planar ( sp² ). Isoelectronic and isostructural. ClO₃^- and SO₃²⁻ : 42 electrons each, both pyramidal ( sp³ , one lone pair). Also isoelectronic and isostructural. Two options (3 and 4) are correct, so the question has more than one right answer. The official key treats it as a bonus.

Topic: VSEPR theory and shapes of molecules· Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure

Which of the following pairs of ions is isoelectronic and isostructural?

1. \(ClO_3^-\), \(CO_3^{2-}\)

2. \(SO_3^{2-}\), \(NO_3^-\)

3. \(ClO_3^-\), \(SO_3^{2-}\)

4. \(CO_3^{2-}\), \(NO_3^-\)

Doubtly Asked 30 Oct 2026 NEET UG 2016 Phase 2 neet Save WhatsApp Report

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Answer: Dropped in the official answer key: full marks to every candidate

Key idea: compare total electrons and shape.

\(CO_3^{2-}\) and \(NO_3^-\): 32 electrons each, both trigonal planar (\(sp^2\)). Isoelectronic and isostructural.
\(ClO_3^-\) and \(SO_3^{2-}\): 42 electrons each, both pyramidal (\(sp^3\), one lone pair). Also isoelectronic and isostructural.

Two options (3 and 4) are correct, so the question has more than one right answer. The official key treats it as a bonus.

Doubtly AI · 30 Oct 2026 AI-generated · not yet verified Report

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Which of the following pairs of ions is isoelectronic and isostructural?

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