The structure of $XeF{}_{6}$is:
(A) pentagonal bipyramidal
(B) distorted octahedral
(C) capped octahedral
(D) square pyramidal
Answer
302.7k+ views
Hint: $XeF{}_{6}$ is a noble gas compound , which is stable at normal temperature. $XeF{}_{6}$ is having hybridisation that is $s{{p}^{3}}{{d}^{3}}$. It is found to have a lone pair of electrons.
Step by step answer:
- Firstly, we have to learn how to determine the type of hybridisation and understand the formation of a certain molecular geometry in xenon hexafluoride along with the bond angles.
- We can determine the hybridisation in two ways:
Firstly, by knowing the number of bond pairs and lone pairs. During the formation of $XeF{}_{6}$, xenon has 8 electrons in its valence shell and it forms six bonds with the fluorine atoms and will have remaining two electrons. Further, we can say that the molecules will have one lone pair and 6 bond pairs. Now, if we take the steric number then it will be 7. And this can be interpreted as $s{{p}^{3}}{{d}^{3}}$.
- In the structure what happens here is that the fluorine atoms are placed in the vertices of the octahedron while lone pairs move in the space to avoid or we can say to reduce the repulsion. In simple words we can say that the six bond pairs are formed with fluorine and initially form a structure like octahedron but the lone pair that is present, gets its place in between the two fluorine atoms to reduce the repulsion. And hence, distort the structure of octahedrons, and therefore this structure is called a distorted octahedron.
-Secondly, we can also determine the hybridisation of xenon hexafluoride by using the common formula which is: $Hybridisation=\dfrac{1}{2}\times \left[ v+m-c+a \right]$
Here,
v =number of valence electrons,
m =monovalent
c =positive charge
a =negative charge
Let’s put the values according to the formula,
Hybridisation=
\[Hybridisation=\dfrac{1}{2}\times \left[ 8+6-0+0 \right]\]
\[\begin{align}
& =\dfrac{1}{2}\times \left[ 14 \right] \\
& =7 \\
\end{align}\]
So we can say that, the hybridisation number is equal to 7. Now we can say that the hybridisation is $s{{p}^{3}}{{d}^{3}}$.
-VSEPR theory suggests the Pentagonal bipyramid geometry, but by electron diffraction experiments it is said to have octahedral geometry with fluorine atoms on the corners.
- Hence we can say that the option (a) and (b) both are correct.
Additional information
- It is found that the complete hydrolysis of $XeF{}_{6}$produces$Xe{{O}_{3}}$ which is xenon trioxide. This trioxide is highly explosive and acts as a powerful oxidising agent in solution.
-It is also seen that $XeF{}_{6}$ is the strongest fluorinating agent.
Note:
- It is to be noted that $XeF{}_{6}$ is having hybridisation that is $s{{p}^{3}}{{d}^{3}}$. During the formation of, $XeF{}_{6}$ xenon has 8 electrons in its valence shell and it forms six bonds with the fluorine atoms and will have remaining two electrons. This is having distorted octahedral geometry.
Step by step answer:
- Firstly, we have to learn how to determine the type of hybridisation and understand the formation of a certain molecular geometry in xenon hexafluoride along with the bond angles.
- We can determine the hybridisation in two ways:
Firstly, by knowing the number of bond pairs and lone pairs. During the formation of $XeF{}_{6}$, xenon has 8 electrons in its valence shell and it forms six bonds with the fluorine atoms and will have remaining two electrons. Further, we can say that the molecules will have one lone pair and 6 bond pairs. Now, if we take the steric number then it will be 7. And this can be interpreted as $s{{p}^{3}}{{d}^{3}}$.
- In the structure what happens here is that the fluorine atoms are placed in the vertices of the octahedron while lone pairs move in the space to avoid or we can say to reduce the repulsion. In simple words we can say that the six bond pairs are formed with fluorine and initially form a structure like octahedron but the lone pair that is present, gets its place in between the two fluorine atoms to reduce the repulsion. And hence, distort the structure of octahedrons, and therefore this structure is called a distorted octahedron.
-Secondly, we can also determine the hybridisation of xenon hexafluoride by using the common formula which is: $Hybridisation=\dfrac{1}{2}\times \left[ v+m-c+a \right]$
Here,
v =number of valence electrons,
m =monovalent
c =positive charge
a =negative charge
Let’s put the values according to the formula,
Hybridisation=
\[Hybridisation=\dfrac{1}{2}\times \left[ 8+6-0+0 \right]\]
\[\begin{align}
& =\dfrac{1}{2}\times \left[ 14 \right] \\
& =7 \\
\end{align}\]
So we can say that, the hybridisation number is equal to 7. Now we can say that the hybridisation is $s{{p}^{3}}{{d}^{3}}$.
-VSEPR theory suggests the Pentagonal bipyramid geometry, but by electron diffraction experiments it is said to have octahedral geometry with fluorine atoms on the corners.
- Hence we can say that the option (a) and (b) both are correct.
Additional information
- It is found that the complete hydrolysis of $XeF{}_{6}$produces$Xe{{O}_{3}}$ which is xenon trioxide. This trioxide is highly explosive and acts as a powerful oxidising agent in solution.
-It is also seen that $XeF{}_{6}$ is the strongest fluorinating agent.
Note:
- It is to be noted that $XeF{}_{6}$ is having hybridisation that is $s{{p}^{3}}{{d}^{3}}$. During the formation of, $XeF{}_{6}$ xenon has 8 electrons in its valence shell and it forms six bonds with the fluorine atoms and will have remaining two electrons. This is having distorted octahedral geometry.
Recently Updated Pages
Normality of 03 M phosphorus acid H3PO3 is A 05 B 06 class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

A molecule with highest bond energy A Fluorine B Chlorine class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

A 30 solution of H2O2 is marketed as 100 volume hydrogen class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

Covalent compounds generally have low melting and boiling class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

When an acid reacts with a metal carbonate or metal class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

The degeneracy of hydrogen atom that has equal energy class 11 chemistry JEE_Main

Trending doubts
What Are Current and Potential Difference in Electricity?

Ideal and Non-Ideal Solutions Explained for Class 12 Chemistry

Understanding the Centre of Mass of a Semicircular Ring

Understanding Electric Field Intensity Made Easy

JEE Main Physics Important Questions PDF 2027

Understanding Trigonometry: Essential Guide for Students

Other Pages
JEE Advanced Weightage Chapter Wise 2026 for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics

Electron Gain Enthalpy and Electron Affinity Explained

Understanding the Different Types of Solutions in Chemistry

Understanding Inertial and Non-Inertial Frames of Reference

Fastest T20 International Centuries – Top Records

Navratri 2026 Colours with Dates, Devi Names & 9 Days Colour Guide Signifcance

