Question

Give the number of lone pairs around the central atom and the molecular geometry of XeF4.A)0 lone pairs, tetrahedralB)1 lone pair, distorted tetrahedron (seesaw)C)1 lone pair, square pyramidalD)1 lone pair, tetrahedralE)2 lone pairs, square planar

Answer 1

Answer: 2 lone pairs, square planar

Explanation:

Using the VSEPR ( Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion)Theory

To calculate the number of lone pairs electron can be done using the formula;

Number of electrons = ½ (V+N-C+A)

V mean valency of the central atom

N means number of monovalent bonding atoms

C means charge on cation

A means charges on anion

Therefore, to calculate the number of lone pair electron C=A=0;

Number of electrons = ½ (8+4) = 12/2 = 6

Number of bonding pair = 4

Number of lone pairs of electron = 6-4 = 2

The hybridrization of the compound is sp3d2 because the number of electrons around the central atom is 6.

The geometry of the compound is square planar and this is because of the repulsion between the bonding pair of electrons and lone pair of electrons which causes the lone pair of electrons to lie in a perpendicular plane in order to acquire stability.