Which is/are correct statement(s) for `XeF_(2)`?

Options

A. It has bent 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. Both B and C

Answer

To determine the correct statements for \( \text{XeF}_2 \), we will analyze its structure, hybridization, shape, and reactivity.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Determine the Valence Electrons**:
- Xenon (Xe) is a noble gas in group 18 and has 8 valence electrons.
- Each fluorine (F) atom contributes 1 valence electron. Since there are 2 fluorine atoms, they contribute 2 electrons.
- Total valence electrons = 8 (from Xe) + 2 (from 2 F) = 10 electrons.

**Hint**: Count the valence electrons from the central atom and the surrounding atoms.

2. **Draw the Lewis Structure**:
- In \( \text{XeF}_2 \), xenon forms 2 bonds with the 2 fluorine atoms.
- This uses up 4 of the 10 valence electrons (2 for each bond).
- The remaining 6 electrons will be placed as lone pairs on the xenon atom.

**Hint**: Remember that each bond uses 2 electrons, and lone pairs are added after bonding.

3. **Identify Lone Pairs and Bond Pairs**:
- There are 2 bond pairs (from the Xe-F bonds) and 3 lone pairs (from the remaining electrons on Xe).
- This gives us a total of 5 electron pairs around the xenon atom.

**Hint**: Count the bond pairs and lone pairs to determine the total number of electron pairs.

4. **Determine Hybridization**:
- The hybridization of \( \text{XeF}_2 \) can be determined by the number of electron pairs. With 5 electron pairs, the hybridization is \( \text{sp}^3\text{d} \).

**Hint**: Use the number of electron pairs to find the hybridization type.

5. **Determine the Geometry**:
- The arrangement of 5 electron pairs is trigonal bipyramidal.
- However, due to the presence of 3 lone pairs, the molecular shape is linear, as the lone pairs occupy the equatorial positions.

**Hint**: Remember that lone pairs can affect the shape of the molecule.

6. **Reactivity of \( \text{XeF}_2 \)**:
- \( \text{XeF}_2 \) can undergo hydrolysis in the presence of a base. For example, it reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to produce xenon gas, sodium fluoride, oxygen, and water.
- This indicates that it is hydrolyzed rapidly in an aqueous solution of a base.

**Hint**: Look for reactions with bases to determine hydrolysis behavior.

7. **Oxidizing Properties**:
- \( \text{XeF}_2 \) can oxidize chloride ions (Cl⁻) to chlorine gas (Cl₂) and iodide ions (I⁻) to iodine (I₂).
- This confirms that \( \text{XeF}_2 \) acts as an oxidizing agent.

**Hint**: Check the oxidation states of elements in reactions to confirm oxidizing behavior.

### Conclusion:
Based on the analysis, the correct statements regarding \( \text{XeF}_2 \) are:
- It has a linear shape.
- It is rapidly hydrolyzed in aqueous solutions of bases.
- It oxidizes Cl⁻ to Cl₂ and I⁻ to I₂.

Thus, the correct answer is option 4: both B and C are correct.