Question

XeF₆ on complete hydrolysis produces:

• A. XeO₃
• B. XeOF₄
• C. XeO₂
• D. XeO

Hint:

Remember the stages of hydrolysis for XeF₆: - Step 1 (Partial): XeF₆ + H₂O → XeOF₄ + 2HF - Step 2 (Partial): XeF₆ + 2H₂O → XeO₂F₂ + 4HF - Step 3 (Complete): XeF₆ + 3H₂O → XeO₃ + 6HF

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Xenon hexafluoride (XeF₆) is highly reactive and undergoes hydrolysis when it comes into contact with water. The reaction can be partial or complete depending on the amount of water provided. Key properties: • Partial Hydrolysis: Produces oxyfluorides like XeOF₄ or XeO₂F₂. • Complete Hydrolysis: All fluorine atoms are replaced by oxygen atoms.
When XeF₆ reacts with an excess of water, it undergoes a complete replacement of its fluoride ligands to form Xenon trioxide (XeO₃) and Hydrogen fluoride (HF): XeF₆ + 3H₂O XeO₃ + 6HF
Xenon trioxide is a colorless, explosive solid. In this molecule, Xenon is in the +6 oxidation state, just as it was in XeF₆. The geometry of XeO₃ is pyramidal due to the presence of one lone pair on the Xenon atom.