The statement is False.
To understand why, let’s analyze the structure of arsenic trichloride (AsCl3). Arsenic (As) is the central atom in this compound, and it is surrounded by three chlorine (Cl) atoms. In the electron dot structure:
- Arsenic has five valence electrons.
- Each chlorine atom has seven valence electrons.
- The three chlorine atoms form single bonds with arsenic, using three of arsenic’s valence electrons.
After forming these three single bonds, arsenic is left with two of its valence electrons, which will exist as lone pairs on the arsenic atom itself.
Thus, in total, the electron dot structure for AsCl3 shows:
- Three single bonds (As-Cl)
- Two lone pairs on the arsenic atom (not ten)
Additionally, each chlorine atom is connected with one single bond and still has three lone pairs of its own (since Cl needs a total of eight electrons to complete its octet). Therefore, the claim that there are ten lone pairs is incorrect. In summary, AsCl3 has three single bonds and a total of two lone pairs on the arsenic atom.