Predict the molecular shape of XeF₃^-. A) linear B) trigonal planar C) trigonal pyramid D) T-shaped E) square

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The central atom is Xe (xenon), which has 8 valence electrons. The F and S atoms have 7 and 6 valence electrons respectively, while the P and B atoms each have 5 valence electrons. The total number of valence electrons can be calculated as follows:
8 (Xe) + 1 (F) + 1 (S) + 1 (B) + 1 (S) + 1 (B) + 1 (S) + 1 (P) + 1 (S) + 1 (P) + 1 (S) + 1 (P) + 1 (S) + 1 (S) + 1(P) + 1 (O) = 27 valence electrons

To determine the shape, we first need to draw the Lewis structure:

Xe has 3 lone pairs and forms bonds with F and S. The lone pairs and the bonds repel each other, so the shape will be determined by the number of lone pairs and the number of bonds.

In this case, the molecule has 3 lone pairs and 4 bonding regions, giving a T-shaped molecular geometry. Thus, the answer is D, T-shaped.

Predict the Molecular Shape of XeF3-

Predict the Molecular Shape of XeF₃^-