General Science • ChemistryHard
What is the hybridization state and geometry of the central xenon atom in xenon tetrafluoride molecule according to valence shell electron pair repulsion theory?
A. s p 3 hybridized with tetrahedral geometry
B. s p 3 d 2 hybridized with square planar geometry✓ Correct Answer
C. s p 3 d hybridized with trigonal bipyramidal geometry
D. s p 3 d 3 hybridized with pentagonal bipyramidal geometry
💡 Solution & Explanation
Xenon tetrafluoride has six electron pairs around the central xenon atom, consisting of four bond pairs and two lone pairs, corresponding to sp3d2 steric number hybridization. To minimize electrostatic repulsion, the two lone pairs occupy axial positions, resulting in a square planar molecular geometry. Noble gases were once thought chemically inert until Bartlett synthesized xenon compounds.
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