Match List-I with List-II
|
List-I |
List-II |
|
(A) \(XeF_6\) |
(I) \(sp^3d^3\) distorted octahedral |
|
(B) \(XeO_3\) |
(II) \(sp^3d^2\) square planar |
|
(C) \(XeOF_4\) |
(III) \(sp^3\) pyramidal |
|
(D) \(XeF_4\) |
(IV) \(sp^3d^2\) square pyramidal |
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → A-I, B-III, C-IV, D-II
The shape of a xenon compound follows from VSEPR theory. Xenon has 8 valence electrons. Each F uses one electron for a single bond; each O uses two electrons (Xe=O). The electrons left over form lone pairs. The total number of electron pairs (bond pairs + lone pairs) fixes the hybridisation, and the bond pairs alone fix the shape.
(A) \( \ce{XeF6} \) — This matches (I) sp3d3 distorted octahedral. 6 electrons in six Xe–F bonds, 2 left as one lone pair: 6 bp + 1 lp = 7 pairs, sp3d3; the lone pair distorts the octahedron.
(B) \( \ce{XeO3} \) — This matches (III) sp3 pyramidal. 6 electrons in three Xe=O bonds, 2 left as one lone pair: 3 σ bp + 1 lp = 4 pairs, sp3; three O atoms and a lone pair give a pyramid.
(C) \( \ce{XeOF4} \) — This matches (IV) sp3d2 square pyramidal. 2 electrons for Xe=O and 4 for four Xe–F, 2 left as one lone pair: 5 σ bp + 1 lp = 6 pairs, sp3d2; five atoms at the corners of a square pyramid.
(D) \( \ce{XeF4} \) — This matches (II) sp3d2 square planar. 4 electrons in four Xe–F bonds, 4 left as two lone pairs: 4 bp + 2 lp = 6 pairs, sp3d2; the two lone pairs sit opposite each other, leaving the four F atoms in a square plane.
Shortcut: \( \ce{XeO3} \) is the only sp3 compound (B-III), and \( \ce{XeF4} \) is the familiar square planar molecule (D-II); only Options (1) and (3) have both, and A-I (\( \ce{XeF6} \), seven pairs) leaves Option (1).
Note 1: This question is from the pre-rationalised NCERT book (2022-23). The topic is not there in the latest NCERT book (2026-27), and it is also out of the CUET 2026 syllabus.
NCERT (Pre-rationalised edition, 2022-23):
Xenon-Fluorine Compounds – “… The structures of the three xenon fluorides can be deduced from VSEPR and these are shown in Fig. 7.9. XeF2 and XeF4 have linear and square planar structures respectively. XeF6 has seven electron pairs (6 bonding pairs and one lone pair) and would, thus, have a distorted octahedral structure as found experimentally in the gas phase.”
Xenon-Oxygen Compounds – “… XeO3 is a colourless explosive solid and has a pyramidal molecular structure (Fig. 7.9). XeOF4 is a colourless volatile liquid and has a square pyramidal molecular structure (Fig. 7.9).”
Note 2: The same/similar question has been asked in different years by NTA as per the details given below:
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | – | – | 10-06 S1 25-05 S3 | – |