Vsepr Theory
The shape of XeF₄ molecule according to VSEPR theory is:
Select the correct option:
Solution
Square planar
- Determine the steric number: Xenon (Xe) has 8 valence electrons.
- Number of bond pairs (BPs) = 4 (with F atoms)
- Remaining electrons = 8−4=4 electrons (i.e., 2 lone pairs)
- Steric Number =4+2=6
- Identify Geometry: A steric number of 6 implies Octahedral electron pair geometry.
- Identify Shape: To minimize lone pair-lone pair repulsion, the 2 lone pairs occupy opposite axial positions.
- The resulting molecular shape, formed only by the atoms, is Square Planar.
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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- chemical bonding and molecular structure
- Topic
- vsepr theory
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
Square planar
- Determine the steric number: Xenon (Xe) has 8 valence electrons.
- Number of bond pairs (BPs) = 4 (with F atoms)
- Remaining electrons = 8−4=4 electrons (i.e., 2 lone pairs)
- Steric Number =4+2=6
- Identify Geometry: A steric number of 6 implies Octahedral electron pair geometry.
- Identify Shape: To minimize lone pair-lone pair repulsion, the 2 lone pairs occupy opposite axial positions.
- The resulting molecular shape, formed only by the atoms, is Square Planar.
This medium difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter chemical bonding and molecular structure, covering the topic of vsepr theory. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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