Question

Hydrolysis of XeF$_4$ gives HF, O$_2$, Xe and 'X'. The structure of 'X' is

• A. pyramidal
• B. Square pyramidal
• C. octahedral
• D. Square planar

Hint:

Remember to determine the number of bond pairs and lone pairs to predict the shape of a molecule using VSEPR theory.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The hydrolysis of XeF$_4$ is given by the following reaction:  
\( 6\text{XeF}_4 + 12\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow 4\text{Xe} + 2\text{XeO}_3 + 3\text{O}_2 + 24\text{HF} \) 
The 'X' in this reaction is XeO$_3$. 
To determine the structure of XeO$_3$, we need to find the number of electron pairs around the central atom Xe. 
Xe has 8 valence electrons. 
Each oxygen atom forms a double bond with Xe, using 2 electrons each. 
So, 3 oxygen atoms use 6 electrons. 
The remaining 2 electrons form a lone pair. 
Thus, there are 3 bond pairs and 1 lone pair, making a total of 4 electron pairs. 
According to VSEPR theory, the arrangement of electron pairs is tetrahedral. 
However, due to the presence of a lone pair, the shape of the molecule is pyramidal.