Predict the molecular shape of the OF₂ molecule.

According to VSEPR theory, OF₂ geometry is linear. This is because of the repulsion between the lone pair electrons of oxygen and fluorine.

Each fluorine atom has seven valence electrons, but as there are two Fluorine atoms, we will multiply the number by 2. So we have 14 valence electrons from Fluorine atoms.

O (Z = 8)

Electronic configuration of oxygen : 1s² 2s² 2p⁴

The 2s and 2p orbitals of the Oxygen atom are hybridized, which means there is a formation of four hybridized orbitals: 2s, 2px, 2py and 2pz. So the molecule will become sp3 hybridized.

= 6 + 7 x 2

= 20 valence electrons

• Thus, there are 20 valence electrons available for OF₂ that help the atoms to form bonds.
• O undergoes sp³ hybridization. Two-hybrid orbitals contain lone pairs. Oxygen Difluoride has a similar arrangement to H2O. Although the electron geometry of OF₂ is tetrahedral, its molecular geometry is linear.