What type of hybridization is involved in `XeF_2`?

Options

A. `sp^3d`
B. `dsp^3`
C. `sp^3d^2`
D. `d^3sp^3`

Answer

A

Explanation

The ground state valence shell electron configuration of `Xe` is `5s^2 5p^6`. Out of eight valence electrons, two are used to bond two univalent F atoms and the rest 6 valence `e^(-)s` form 3 lone pairs:
`F-underset(..)X overset(*)(e)-F`
Thus, the steric number of the central `Xe` atom is `2+3=5`. This means five hybrid orbitals are required for bonding in `Xe`. This is possible only through `sp^3d` hybridization. `dsp^3` is excluded because `Xe` is not a d-block element.