Question

The formation of \[\ce{O^+_2[PtF6]^-}\] is the basis for the formation of xenon fluorides. This is because ______.

Options

• O₂ and Xe have comparable sizes

• both O₂ and Xe are gases

• O₂ and Xe have comparable ionisation energies

• both O₂ and Xe have comparable sizes and ionisation energies

Answer 1

The formation of \[\ce{O^+_2[PtF6]^-}\] is the basis for the formation of xenon fluorides. This is because both O₂ and Xe have comparable sizes and ionisation energies.

Explanation:

1. Xenon's first ionisation energy (1,170 kJ mol⁻¹) is very close to that of dioxygen (1,180 kJ mol⁻¹).
2. Xenon and dioxygen have nearly identical molecular diameters.

Based on the above similarities, Barlett (who prepared the \[\ce{O^+_2[PtF6]^-}\] compound) proposed that because oxygen combines with PtF₆, xenon should also form a similar compound with PtF₆.