Match List-I with List-II
| List I Compounds of Xe | List II Shape |
| A. XeF6 | I. Distorted octahedral |
| B. XeO3 | II. Square Planar |
| C. XeOF4 | III. Pyramidal |
| D. XeF4 | IV. Square pyramidal |
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → A(I), B(III), C(IV), D(II)
The shape of each xenon compound follows from the number of bond pairs and lone pairs on Xe (VSEPR theory).
(A) XeF6 — This matches (I) Distorted octahedral. Xe has 6 bond pairs and 1 lone pair (sp3d3); the lone pair distorts the octahedron.
(B) XeO3 — This matches (III) Pyramidal. Xe has 3 bonded oxygens and 1 lone pair (sp3), so the molecule is pyramidal.
(C) XeOF4 — This matches (IV) Square pyramidal. Xe has 5 bonded atoms and 1 lone pair (sp3d2), so the five atoms form a square pyramid.
(D) XeF4 — This matches (II) Square planar. Xe has 4 bond pairs and 2 lone pairs (sp3d2); the two lone pairs sit opposite each other, so the four F atoms lie in a square plane.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | – | – | 31-05 S2 | 30-08 S2 |