Question

With reference to XeOF₄ molecule, answer the following question:

What is the type of hybridisation of Xe atom in the given molecule?

Options

• sp³d

• sp³d²

• sp³d³

• sp³

Answer 1

sp³d²

Explanation:

In XeOF₄, xenon forms five sigma bonds (one with oxygen and four with fluorine) and has one lone pair, making a total of six electron domains.
According to VSEPR theory, this corresponds to sp³d² hybridisation, giving the molecule a square pyramidal shape.