Question
Chemistry Question on p -Block Elements
XeF4 + O2F2 → X + O2
X + H2O → Y +2HF
The shape of the molecules of X and Y respectively are:
A
Square planar, square pyramidal
B
Distorted octahedral, square pyramidal
C
Distorted tetrahedral. Distorted octahedral
D
Square pyramidal. Tetrahedral
Answer
Distorted octahedral, square pyramidal
Explanation
Solution
based on the reactions provided and the information in the answer, molecule X is suggested to have a "distorted octahedral" shape due to the reaction with O2F2, and molecule Y is suggested to have a "square pyramidal" shape due to the reaction with water. The answer is justified by considering the influence of the reacting molecules on the geometry of X and Y.