Question

The Xenon compound which has more number of lone pairs in its central atom is:
A. $Xe{F_6}$
B. $XeO{F_4}$
C. $Xe{F_4}$
D. $Xe{O_3}$

Answer 1

The number of electrons present on the central xenon atom can be counted by analyzing the structure of each molecule. One can use the xenon atoms valence electrons to draw the structure accordingly. The valence electrons in the xenon are eight electrons that form the bonds with other atoms or molecules.

Complete step by step answer:

1. First of all we will learn about the xenon atom which is a central atom in all options given in the question.
2. Now let's analyze all the given options one by one to get the maximum number of lone pairs on the central atom. The first structure $Xe{F_6}$ six electrons of central xenon atoms are contributed by forming bonds with six fluorine atoms. The remaining two valence electrons will make one lone pair of electrons. Hence, $Xe{F_6}$ has one lone pair of an electron in its central atom xenon.
3. In structure $XeO{F_4}$ six electrons of central xenon atom are contributed by forming bonds with four fluorine atoms and one with an oxygen atom. The remaining two valence electrons will make one lone pair of electrons. Hence, $XeO{F_4}$ has one lone pair of an electron in its central atom xenon.
4. In structure $Xe{F_4}$ four electrons of central xenon atoms are contributed by forming bonds with four fluorine atoms. The remaining four valence electrons will make two lone pairs of an electron. Hence, $Xe{F_4}$ has two lone pairs of an electron in its central atom xenon.
5. In structure $Xe{O_3}$ six electrons of central xenon atoms are contributed by forming bonds with three oxygen atoms. The remaining two valence electrons will make one lone pair of electrons. Hence, $Xe{O_3}$ has one lone pair of an electron in its central atom xenon.
6. Therefore, after analyzing all options the $Xe{F_4}$ has more number of lone pairs in its central atom xenon.

Note: The xenon atom has eight valence electrons which contribute to the formation of bond and lone pairs. While making a bond pair the contribution of xenon atom valence electron is one depending on the atom attached and while making the one lone pair of the electron the contribution of xenon atom valence electron is two. A bond pair between xenon and oxygen has the contribution of two valence electrons of a central xenon atom.