According to valence bond theory, how many electrons are promoted to d orbitals to form the compound XeF₄? A) 4 B) 1 C) 3 D) 2 E) 0

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In XeF₄, Xe is in the +2 oxidation state and F, S, and B are in -1, +4, and +3 oxidation states, respectively. According to valence bond theory, Xe forms 6 bonds by hybridizing its 5p and 4d orbitals. Therefore, 2 electrons from the 5p orbital and 2 electrons from the 5s orbital are promoted to the 4d orbital. So, a total of 4 electrons are promoted to the d orbital to form the compound. Therefore, the correct answer is (D) 2.

According to Valence Bond Theory, How Many Electrons Are Promoted