Question

The type of hybridization in $Xe{F}_4$ is:

• A. $ds{p}^2$
• B. $s{p}^{3}d$
• C. $s{p}^3{d}^2$
• D. $s{p}^3{d}^3$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Electronic configuration of $Xe$ in ground state :

Electronic configuration of $Xe$ in excited state :

Note : The expected geometry of $Xe{F}_4$ is octahedral. On account of the fact that $\phi -lp$ repulsion $>lp-bp$ repulsion, there is some distortion in the shape of the molecule. Thus $Xe{F}_4$ has distorted octahedral geometry with two lone pair of electrons. In other words, it has a square planar geometry.