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Question

Does the VSEPR theory predict that XeF2 is linear?


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Solution

VSEPR theory:

  • The valence shell electron pair repulsion theory i.e., VSEPR theory is mainly used for the prediction of the molecular geometry and shape of a compound.
  • According to VSEPR theory, to decide the geometry of a molecule following steps must be followed:
  • The least electronegative atom will be considered the central atom, for which we can calculate the VSEPR number as:
  • VSEPRnumber=12V.E+Noofmonovalentatom+(-VEcharge)-(+vecharge).
  • This will give the VSEPR number for the corresponding molecule, which tells us about the hybridization and geometry of the molecule.
  • From this, after considering the number of lone pairs including the molecule, we can tell the shape of the molecule.

Shape of XeF2 :

  • For the given molecule, the central atom is Xenon.
  • For this, the VSEPR number can be calculated as:
  • VSEPRnumber=128+2=5
  • from this, we can conclude that, XeF2 has sp3d a hybridization suggesting a Trigonal pyramidal geometry.
  • But as the molecule has 3 lone pairs, hence the shape of the molecule is given as, linear.

Hence, yes, the VSEPR theory predicts that XeF2 is linear.


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