Question

Which of the following exhibits square pyramidal geometry ?

• A. $XeF_6$
• B. $XeO_3$
• C. $BrF_5$
• D. $XeF_4$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$BrF_5$

Answer 2

(a) $XeF_{6} \Rightarrow 6bp+1\,lp$, thus distorted octahedral geometry
(b) $XeO_{3} \Rightarrow 3bp+1\,lp$, thus pyramidal geometry
(c) $BrF_{5} \Rightarrow 5bp+1\,lp$, thus square pyramidal geometry
(d) $XeF_{4} \Rightarrow 4bp+2\,lp$ thus square planar geometry