Geometry of xenon oxyfluoride (XeOF4) isa)Octahedralb)Tetrahedralc)Lin...
Answer:
Square pyramidal.
Explanation:
In order to be able to determine the molecular geometry of xenon oxytetrafluoride,
XeOF4, you need to start by drawing its Lewis structure.
To find the number of valence electron you get in one molecule of xenon oxytetrafluoride, add the number of valence electrons of each individual atom that makes up the molecule.
So, xenon oxytetrafluoride will have a total of
42 valence electrons 8 valence electrons are coming from the xenon atom 6 valence electrons are coming from the oxygen atom 7 valence electrons from each of the four fluorine atoms.
Now, xenon will be the central atom. It will bond with the oxygen atom via a double bond. This will ensure that oxygen has a complete octet.
The xenon atom will bond with the four fluorine atoms via four single bonds, which will ensure that each of the four fluorine atoms gets a complete octet. Afterwards the xenon atom will make double bond with oxygen atom to fulfill its octet. The remaining two electrons will remain as a lone pair.
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Geometry of xenon oxyfluoride (XeOF4) isa)Octahedralb)Tetrahedralc)Lin...
Geometry of xenon oxyfluoride (XeOF4) isa)Octahedralb)Tetrahedralc)Lin...
Geometry of Xenon Oxyfluoride (XeOF4)
Xenon oxyfluoride (XeOF4) is an interesting compound in the study of molecular geometry, particularly because it features a central xenon atom bonded to both oxygen and fluorine atoms.
Understanding the Molecular Structure
- Valence Electrons: Xenon has 8 valence electrons. In XeOF4, xenon forms bonds with one oxygen and four fluorine atoms.
- Bonding and Lone Pairs: The structure consists of:
- 4 Xe-F bonds
- 1 Xe-O bond
- 1 lone pair of electrons on the xenon atom
Determining the Geometry
- Steric Number: The steric number for Xe in XeOF4 is 6 (4 from Xe-F bonds, 1 from Xe-O bond, and 1 from the lone pair).
- VSEPR Theory: According to Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory, a steric number of 6 corresponds to an octahedral arrangement of electron pairs. However, the presence of a lone pair alters the shape.
Final Geometry
- Square Pyramidal Shape: With one lone pair, the geometry changes from octahedral to square pyramidal. This means:
- 4 fluorine atoms occupy the corners of a square base.
- The oxygen atom sits at the apex of the pyramid, while the lone pair is positioned opposite to the oxygen atom.
Conclusion
Thus, the correct geometry of xenon oxyfluoride (XeOF4) is square pyramidal, confirming that option 'D' is accurate. This unique arrangement plays a significant role in the compound's chemical properties and reactivity.