Question

The shape of $Xe{O}_2{F}_2$ is:

• A. trigonal planar
• B. see-saw
• C. square planar
• D. tetrahedral

Answer 1

The correct option is B see-saw

The molecules assume different geometries based on the number of bond pairs/lone pairs in the valence shell of the central atom. The pi electrons are not involved in deciding the geometry of the molecule.

$Xe$ has 1 lone pair and four bond pairs. So, the steric number of $Xe$ is 5 and the hybridisation is $s{p}^{3}d$. Hence, the geometry of $Xe{O}_2{F}_2$ is trigonal bipyramidal and the shape is see-saw.