Do ClO_2^- and ClO_3^- have the same electron domain geometry around the central chlorine atom?

• A. No, ClO_2^- is linear and ClO_3^- is trigonal pyramidal.
• B. Yes, both have a trigonal planar electron domain geometry.
• C. No, ClO_2^- is trigonal planar and ClO_3^- is tetrahedral.
• D. Yes, both have a tetrahedral electron domain geometry.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the central atom in both ions, which is chlorine (Cl), and count the total number of electron domains (bonding and lone pairs) around it to determine the electron domain geometry.
2. For ClO_2^-, chlorine is bonded to two oxygen atoms and has one lone pair of electrons. This gives a total of three electron domains (2 bonding + 1 lone pair).
3. For ClO_3^-, chlorine is bonded to three oxygen atoms and has one lone pair of electrons. This gives a total of four electron domains (3 bonding + 1 lone pair).
4. Recall that three electron domains correspond to a trigonal planar electron domain geometry, while four electron domains correspond to a tetrahedral electron domain geometry.
5. Conclude that ClO_2^- has a trigonal planar electron domain geometry, and ClO_3^- has a tetrahedral electron domain geometry, so they do not have the same electron domain geometry.