Question

What should be the correct statement with respect to $Xe{F}_5^{-}$?

• A. Central atom $Xe$ has $s{p}^3{d}^2$ hybridisation.
• B. It is square planar.
• C. There are two non-bonding electron pairs, one above the plane and the other below the plane.
• D. It is an odd electron species.

Answer 1

The correct option is C There are two non-bonding electron pairs, one above the plane and the other below the plane.

In $Xe{F}_5^{-}$ ion, there are two non-bonding electron pairs, one above the plane and the other below the plane. The central $Xe$ atom has $9$ electrons out of which $5$ are used to form $5\sigma$ bonds with $5$ $F$ atoms. Remaining $4$ electrons act as $2$ lone pairs of electrons.

The central $Xe$ atom undergoes $s{p}^3{d}^3$ hybridization with pentagonal bipyramidal geometry. The $5$ $F$ atoms are in the pentagonal plane. One lone pair of electrons is above the plane and the second lone pair of electrons is below the plane.