Group the following as linear and non-linear molecules :

H₂O, HOCl, BeCl₂, Cl₂O

BeCl₂ has a linear structure because Be has no lone pairs. Thus, the electrons on the chlorides will try to stay far apart from each other, since their corresponding electrons repel each other (while experiencing no deflection from electrons on a central atom).

HOCl is also non-linear in structure. It is unstable in form and, the Cl atom has sp³ hybridized, occurs as Cl-O^- ion which has a linear structure.

H₂O has a V-shaped structure. It results from the sp³ -hybridization of O -atom.

Cl₂O has a V-shaped structure. The oxygen atom undergoes sp³ hybridization.