Which is incorrect statement for `XeF_2` ?

Options

A. It has linear structure
B. It is hydrolysed rapidly in aqueous solution of a base
C. It oxidizes `Cl^(-) and I^(-) " to " Cl_2 and I_2 ` respectively
D. It cannot act as `F^(-)` donor

Answer

To determine which statement about \( \text{XeF}_2 \) is incorrect, we will analyze each of the four statements provided.

### Step 1: Analyze the first statement
**Statement 1:** "The shape of \( \text{XeF}_2 \) is linear."

- **Analysis:** The molecular geometry of \( \text{XeF}_2 \) is indeed linear due to the presence of three lone pairs on the xenon atom, which leads to a linear arrangement of the fluorine atoms. Thus, this statement is **true**.

### Step 2: Analyze the second statement
**Statement 2:** "\( \text{XeF}_2 \) is rapidly hydrolyzed in the presence of a base in aqueous solution."

- **Analysis:** \( \text{XeF}_2 \) does undergo hydrolysis when reacted with water in the presence of a base, forming xenon and hydrofluoric acid. This reaction occurs readily, making the statement **true**.

### Step 3: Analyze the third statement
**Statement 3:** "\( \text{XeF}_2 \) oxidizes \( \text{Cl}^- \) and \( \text{I}^- \) to \( \text{Cl}_2 \) and \( \text{I}_2 \), respectively."

- **Analysis:** \( \text{XeF}_2 \) can indeed oxidize chloride ions to chlorine gas and iodide ions to iodine gas. This is a known property of \( \text{XeF}_2 \), thus this statement is also **true**.

### Step 4: Analyze the fourth statement
**Statement 4:** "\( \text{XeF}_2 \) cannot act as a fluorine donor."

- **Analysis:** This statement is incorrect because \( \text{XeF}_2 \) can act as a fluorine donor in certain reactions, forming complexes with other compounds. For example, it can react with \( \text{PF}_5 \) to donate a fluorine atom. Therefore, this statement is **false**.

### Conclusion
The incorrect statement about \( \text{XeF}_2 \) is the fourth statement: "\( \text{XeF}_2 \) cannot act as a fluorine donor."

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