Question

$Xe{O}_3$ has_______.

• A. one $p\pi -p\pi$ and two $p\pi -d\pi$
• B. three $p\pi -p\pi$ bonds
• C. four $p\pi -d\pi$ bonds
• D. three $p\pi -d\pi$ bonds

Answer 1

The correct option is D three $p\pi -d\pi$ bonds

The structure of $Xe{O}_3$ is:

Refer to Image

Xe has 8 valence electrons in s & p orbitals here backbonding between Xe & O arises due to vacant d- orbital of Xe & filled p orbital of O.

Thus, there are 3 $p\pi -d\pi$ bonds formed as a result of sharing of $e^{-}s$ from $p\pi$ of $O$ atom to $d\pi$ of $Xe$ atoms.