For polyatomic species to be considered isoelectronic in this context, they must have the same number of valence electrons. For them to be isostructural, they must possess the same geometry.
- XeF2: The total number of valence electrons is 8 (from Xe)+2×7 (from F)=22. The central Xenon atom forms 2 bond pairs and has 3 lone pairs (steric number = 5, sp3d hybridisation). According to VSEPR theory, the 3 lone pairs occupy equatorial positions to minimise repulsion, resulting in a linear shape.
- IBr2−: The total number of valence electrons is 7 (from I)+2×7 (from Br)+1 (from negative charge)=22. Similar to XeF2, the central Iodine atom forms 2 bond pairs and has 3 lone pairs (steric number = 5, sp3d hybridisation), which also gives it a linear shape.
Because both species have 22 valence electrons and a linear structure, they are isoelectronic and isostructural.