Lewis Structure Generator
Chlorine trifluoride · ClF3

ClF3 Lewis Structure

Chlorine forms three single bonds to fluorine and retains two lone pairs. Five electron domains arrange trigonal bipyramidally, with both lone pairs occupying equatorial positions and the atoms forming a T shape.

Open ClF3 in the generatorSee drawing steps
ClF₃
F | Cl—F | F
Two lone pairs on chlorine; three on each fluorine
Total valence electrons28
Central lone pairs2
Electron geometryTrigonal bipyramidal
Molecular geometryT-shaped

ClF3 overview

Chlorine contributes seven electrons and three fluorines contribute twenty-one. Three bonds and fluorine octets use twenty-four electrons, leaving four electrons as two lone pairs on chlorine.

How to draw ClF3

  1. Count 28 valence electrons.
  2. Place chlorine in the center and attach three fluorines.
  3. Complete each fluorine octet with three lone pairs.
  4. Place the remaining two lone pairs on chlorine.
  5. Use VSEPR to place the lone pairs equatorially and identify a T-shaped molecule.

Why T-shaped?

ClF3 is AX3E2. In a trigonal-bipyramidal electron arrangement, lone pairs prefer equatorial positions because they experience fewer 90° interactions. The three fluorine atoms occupy two axial and one equatorial position.

Common mistakes

  • Drawing only one chlorine lone pair.
  • Calling the molecule trigonal planar.
  • Placing both lone pairs axially.
  • Using Cl=F double bonds.

Last reviewed: July 16, 2026. Educational reference only.