Question

${\mathrm{XeF}}_2$ is linear with two lone pairs of electrons on equatorial position

• A. True
• B. False

Answer 1

The correct option is B False

Cause for linear molecular geometry of ${\mathrm{XeF}}_2$:

• In the hybridization of xenon difluoride, two-hybrid orbitals are employed to produce $\mathrm{F}-\mathrm{Xe}-\mathrm{F}$ sigma bonds by overlapping the two half-filled $2\mathrm{pz}$ atomic orbitals of fluorine.
• The three lone pairs that do not participate in bonding are found in the remaining three hybrid orbitals.
• It takes on a linear shape because the lone pairs surrounding the center atom tend to take up equatorial locations.
• Hence geometry of ${\mathrm{XeF}}_2$ is linear.
• ${\mathrm{XeF}}_2$ is linear with three lone pairs of electrons on an equatorial position.

Hence, ${\mathrm{XeF}}_2$ is linear with two lone pairs of electrons on an equatorial position is false.