Properties and Reactions of Xenon Fluoride Compounds
Correct statement(s) about the compounds , and is(are)
Options
has two lone pairs of electrons on the central atom.
has a perfect octahedral geometry.
can act as a fluorinating agent.
The molecular structure of is trigonal pyramidal.
Topics & Concepts
Step-by-Step Solution
To determine the correct statement(s), we first identify the compounds , , and based on the given chemical reactions:
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Identification of Compound : When xenon () and fluorine () are mixed in a molar ratio at and , xenon tetrafluoride () is formed: Therefore, compound is .
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Identification of Compound : The reaction of () with dioxygen difluoride () at yields xenon hexafluoride (): Therefore, compound is .
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Identification of Compound : Complete hydrolysis of () produces xenon trioxide () and hydrofluoric acid (): Therefore, compound is .
Evaluation of Options:
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Option (A): In (), the central xenon () atom has valence electrons. It forms single bonds with four fluorine atoms, leaving non-bonding electrons, which correspond to two lone pairs. Thus, option (A) is correct.
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Option (B): In (), the central xenon atom has bond pairs and lone pair ( hybridization). Consequently, its molecular geometry is a distorted octahedral structure, not a perfect octahedron. Thus, option (B) is incorrect.
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Option (C): Xenon fluorides (, , and ) act as strong fluorinating agents capable of transferring fluorine to other species. Thus, option (C) is correct.
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Option (D): In (), xenon forms double bonds with oxygen atoms () and possesses lone pair. With a steric number of ( hybridized), the molecular shape is trigonal pyramidal. Thus, option (D) is correct.
Conclusion:
The correct statements are A, C, and D.