Question

Explain the structures of (a) XeF₂ and (b) XeF₄

Answer 1

(a) Structure of XeF₂ :

(1) In XeF₂ central atom is 'Xe'.

(2) 'Xe' undergoes sp³ d hybridisation in it's 1^st excited state

(3) Shape of molecule is linear 

(4) Xe form two σ – bonds with two fluorines (sp³ – 2p_z overlap)

(b) Structure of XeF₄ : 

(1) Central atom in XeF₄ is 'Xe'.

(2) Xe undergoes sp³d² hybridisation in it's 2^nd excited. state.

(3) Shape of the molecule is square planar with bond angle 90° and bond length 1.95Å.

(4) Xe – forms four σ - bonds by the overlap of sp³d² – 2p_z(F) orbitals.