The shape of XeF4 molecule according to VSEPR theory is

Options

A. Square planar
B. Square pyramid
C. Tetrahedral
D. Pyramidal

Answer

To determine the shape of the XeF4 molecule according to VSEPR theory, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Central Atom**:
- The central atom in the XeF4 molecule is xenon (Xe).

2. **Count Valence Electrons**:
- Xenon has 8 valence electrons (it is in group 18 of the periodic table).
- Each fluorine (F) atom contributes 1 valence electron. Since there are 4 fluorine atoms, they contribute a total of 4 electrons.
- Total valence electrons = 8 (from Xe) + 4 (from 4 F) = 12 valence electrons.

3. **Determine Bonding and Lone Pairs**:
- In XeF4, xenon forms 4 single bonds with the 4 fluorine atoms. This uses up 4 pairs of electrons (8 electrons).
- After forming these bonds, there are 4 valence electrons left, which will form 2 lone pairs on the xenon atom.

4. **Determine the Steric Number**:
- The steric number is calculated as the number of bond pairs plus the number of lone pairs.
- Steric number = 4 (bond pairs) + 2 (lone pairs) = 6.

5. **Predict the Geometry Using VSEPR Theory**:
- According to VSEPR theory, a steric number of 6 corresponds to an octahedral arrangement of electron pairs.
- However, since there are 2 lone pairs, they will occupy positions opposite each other to minimize repulsion, resulting in a square planar shape for the molecule.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the shape of the XeF4 molecule is square planar.

### Final Answer:
The shape of the XeF4 molecule according to VSEPR theory is **square planar**.

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