How many $\textbf{ pairs }$ of nonbonding electrons can be found on the chlorine atom in chlorous acid, HOClO?

Question

How many $\textbf{      pairs   }$  of nonbonding electrons can be found on the chlorine atom in chlorous acid, HOClO?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chlorous acid (HOClO) has a chlorine atom with 7 valence electrons. In its structure, chlorine is bonded to an oxygen atom (double bond) and another oxygen atom that is also bonded to a hydrogen atom (single bond), using a total of 4 electrons for bonding. This leaves 3 electrons unpaired, but since electrons are in pairs, this means there are 2 pairs of nonbonding electrons on the chlorine atom.

How Many pairs \textbf{ pairs } pairs

How Many $\textbf{ pairs }$