QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Determine the electron geometry and molecular geometry of XeF^4.
12 months agoReport content
Answer
Full Solution Locked
Sign in to view the complete step-by-step solution and unlock all study resources.
Step 1:
First, let's determine the electron geometry of XeF^4 using the Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory. Xenon (Xe) has 8 valence electrons, and each fluorine (F) atom contributes 7 valence electrons, resulting in a total of 40 valence electrons.
Step 2::
\text{Xe} + 4 \times \text{F} \rightarrow \text{XeF}_4
Step 3::
Place the central atom (Xe) and surround it with the shared electron pairs (bonds) and lone pairs.
Step 4::
\chemfig{Xe}(-[:90]F)(-[:150]F)(-[:210]F)(-[:270]F)(-[:330]F)
Arrange the electron pairs to minimize repulsion.
Step 5:
Now, let's analyze the arrangement. XeF^4 has 5 electron pairs around the central Xe atom, with 4 bonding pairs and 1 lone pair. The lone pair occupies more space than the bonding pairs, which will affect the molecular geometry.
Step 6::
Using the AXN notation, where A is the central atom, X is the number of bonding pairs, and N is the number of lone pairs, we have AX^5 (central atom, 4 bonding pairs, and 1 lone pair).
Step 7::
Based on the AXN notation, we can predict the molecular geometry using the table below: | AXN | Molecular Geometry | | --- | --- | | AX | Linear | | AX^2 | Linear | | AX^3 | Trigonal Planar | | AX^4 | Tetrahedral | | AX^5 | Trigonal Bipyramidal | | AX^6 | Octahedral |
Step 8::
For AX^5, the molecular geometry is Trigonal Bipyramidal. However, the presence of a lone pair distorts the geometry, making it square planar.
Final Answer
The electron geometry of XeF^4 is Trigonal Bipyramidal, and the molecular geometry is Square Planar.
Need Help with Homework?
Stuck on a difficult problem? We've got you covered:
- Post your question or upload an image
- Get instant step-by-step solutions
- Learn from our AI and community of students