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NEET CHEMISTRYChemical Bonding and Molecular StructureMedium

Question

The correct shape and hybridisation for XeF4\text{XeF}_4 are:

A

octahedral, sp3d2sp^3d^2

B

trigonal bipyramidal, sp3d2sp^3d^2

C

planar triangle, sp3d3sp^3d^3

D

square planar, sp3d2sp^3d^2

Step-by-Step Solution

In XeF4\text{XeF}_4, the central Xenon (Xe) atom has 8 valence electrons. It forms 4 single bonds with 4 Fluorine (F) atoms using 4 of its valence electrons. The remaining 4 valence electrons form 2 lone pairs. The steric number (total electron domains) = Number of bond pairs (4) + Number of lone pairs (2) = 6. A steric number of 6 corresponds to sp3d2sp^3d^2 hybridisation. According to VSEPR theory, the 6 electron domains arrange themselves in an octahedral geometry to minimize repulsion. To minimize the strong lone pair-lone pair repulsions, the two lone pairs occupy opposite axial positions. This leaves the 4 Fluorine atoms in the equatorial positions, resulting in a square planar molecular shape.

Exam Context & Concepts Covered

This question aligns with the NEET CHEMISTRY syllabus, specifically targeting concepts from Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure. Mastering this topic is crucial for scoring well in the upcoming medical entrance examinations. Solving conceptually related problems will help you understand the nuances of these concepts and improve your problem-solving speed.

CHEMISTRYChemical Bonding and Molecular Structurecorrecthybridisationtextxef

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