Question

Complete the hybridization and bonding scheme for xef4.

Answer 1

Xe = VIII = 8 valence electrons
F = VII = 4 (7 ve) = 28 valence electrons

total ve = 8 + 28 = 36 ve

 

36 - 4(2) = 28 ve
(there are 2 electrons in each bond x 4 bonds)

 

28 - 4(6) = 4 
(We assign the remaining electrons to F atoms)

 

4 - 2(2) = 0 
(Therefore 4 electrons left => we have 2 lone pairs)

 

The steric number = No. of σ bonds + #lone pairs

= 4 σ bonds + 2 lone pairs = 6 => d²sp³ (6 hybrid orbitals)

 

4 bonds + 2 lone pairs => square planar