Question

In \( \text{XeF}_2 \), \( \text{XeF}_4 \), \( \text{XeF}_6 \), the number of lone pairs on Xe are respectively:

• A. 2, 3, 4
• B. 3, 1, 2
• C. 1, 2, 3
• D. 4, 3, 2

Hint:

The number of lone pairs on xenon in xenon fluorides increases with the size of the molecule, as the central atom needs to accommodate more bonding pairs.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Xenon in \( \text{XeF}_2 \), \( \text{XeF}_4 \), and \( \text{XeF}_6 \) exhibits different numbers of lone pairs depending on the oxidation state of Xenon and its coordination.
Step 2: In \( \text{XeF}_2 \), \( \text{Xe} \) has 2 lone pairs, in \( \text{XeF}_4 \) it has 3 lone pairs, and in \( \text{XeF}_6 \), it has 4 lone pairs.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{2, 3, 4} \]