Question

what is the hybridization of Xe in XeF2?

a. sp

b. sp3d

c. sp2

d. sp3d2

Answer 1

Concepts and reason

The concept of the problem is based on hybridization.

Hybridization helps in indicating the geometry of the molecule. There are many types of hybridization involving different atomic orbitals such as $sp,s{p^3},s{p^3}d$ .

Fundamentals

The process in which orbitals are intermixed of varied energies so as to redistribute their energies leading to the formation of a new set of orbitals of equivalent energies and shape. Thus, these new orbitals formed are called as hybrid orbitals and the process is called hybridization. The hybrid orbitals help in forming more stable bonds than the pure atomic orbitals.

The atomic number of xenon is $54$ . The electronic configuration of xenon is ${\rm{Kr4}}{{\rm{d}}^{10}}5{{\rm{s}}^2}5{{\rm{p}}^6}$ . The orbital $5{\rm{s and }}5{\rm{p}}$ contributes to the valence electrons. Thus, the number of valence electrons present in xenon is eight.

Xenon has eight electrons in its valence shell. In the formation of ${\rm{Xe}}{{\rm{F}}_{\rm{2}}}$ , there are two bond pairs and three lone pairs required. These five electrons adopt trigonal bipyramidal geometry with three positions occupied by lone pairs. The three lone pairs are present at the corners of an equilateral triangle. The net repulsion is zero. Thus, the hybridization of xenon is $s{p^3}d$ .

The structure of ${\rm{Xe}}{{\rm{F}}_{\rm{2}}}$ is as follows:

Ans:

The hybridization of xenon in ${\bf{Xe}}{{\bf{F}}_{\bf{2}}}$ is ${\bf{s}}{{\bf{p}}^{\bf{3}}}{\bf{d}}$ .