In `XeF_2`, `XeF_4`, and `XeF_6`, the number of lone pairs on `Xe` is, respectively,

Options

A. 2, 3,1
B. 1,2,3
C. 4,1,2
D. 3,2,1

Answer

D

Explanation

Xe has 8 electrons in the outermost orbit. In `XeF_2`, Xe shares two electrons with two F atoms to form two covalent bonds. It means there are two bond pairs. The remaining six electrons constitute three lone pairs.
In `XeF_4`, Xe shares four electrons with four F atoms to form two covalent bonds. It means there are four bond pairs.
The remaining four electrons constitute two lone pairs In `XeF_6` there are six bond pairs and one lone pair