Question

Name the inert gas that has compounds that are known for the maximum number of compounds.

Answer 1

The inert gas having maximum number of compounds:

• Generally, the inert gas elements do not prefer forming compounds as they have fully filled stable octet configuration.
• But xenon, as a noble gaseous element, is known to have the maximum number of compounds.
• The known compounds of Xenon are : ${\mathrm{XeF}}_2,{\mathrm{XeF}}_4\mathrm{and}{\mathrm{XeF}}_6,{\mathrm{XeOF}}_2$ etc.
• It mostly forms compounds with Oxygen and Fluorine.
• Xenon is known as large in size, hence the electron attraction to the nucleus is weaker, which makes it react with highly electronegative and small-sized Fluorine and Oxygen.
• Therefore, the valence electron of xenon is attracted to oxygen and fluorine, which facilitates the formation of compounds.

Hence, the inert gas that has compounds that are known for the maximum number of compounds is Xenon.