Lewis Structure Generator
Iodine pentafluoride · IF5

IF5 Lewis Structure

Iodine forms five I–F single bonds and retains one lone pair. Six electron domains produce an octahedral electron arrangement, and removing the lone-pair position leaves a square pyramidal molecular shape.

Open IF5 in the generatorSee drawing steps
IF₅
F | F — I — F / \ F F
One lone pair on iodine; three on each fluorine
Total valence electrons42
Central lone pairs1
Electron geometryOctahedral
Molecular geometrySquare pyramidal

IF5 overview

Iodine contributes seven electrons and five fluorines contribute thirty-five. Five bonds use ten electrons, fluorine octets use thirty more, and the last two electrons form one lone pair on iodine.

How to draw IF5

  1. Count 42 valence electrons.
  2. Place iodine in the center with five fluorines.
  3. Draw five single bonds.
  4. Complete each fluorine octet with three lone pairs.
  5. Put the final lone pair on iodine and apply AX5E VSEPR.

Why square pyramidal?

Six electron domains correspond to an octahedral arrangement. One position contains the iodine lone pair, so four fluorines form a square base and the fifth occupies the opposite axial position.

Common mistakes

  • Forgetting the iodine lone pair.
  • Calling the molecule trigonal bipyramidal.
  • Drawing I=F double bonds.
  • Giving fluorine fewer than three lone pairs.

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