The molecule exhibiting maximum number of non-bonding electron pairs (l.p.) around the central atom is :

Options

A. `XeOF_(4)`
B. `XeO_(2)F_(2)`
C. `XeF_(3)^(+)`
D. `XeO_(3)`

Answer

To determine which molecule exhibits the maximum number of non-bonding electron pairs (lone pairs) around the central atom, we will analyze the given options one by one.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Molecules**:
The given options are:
- A: XeOF4
- B: XeO2F2
- C: XeF3+
- D: XeO3

2. **Analyze Each Molecule**:
We will examine the structure and lone pairs of electrons for each molecule.

**A: XeOF4**
- Xenon (Xe) is the central atom.
- The structure has 4 fluorine (F) atoms bonded to xenon and 1 lone pair of electrons.
- **Lone pairs = 1**

**B: XeO2F2**
- Xenon is again the central atom.
- The structure consists of 2 oxygen (O) atoms and 2 fluorine (F) atoms bonded to xenon.
- There is 1 lone pair of electrons on xenon.
- **Lone pairs = 1**

**C: XeF3+**
- Xenon is the central atom.
- The structure has 3 fluorine (F) atoms bonded to xenon and 2 lone pairs of electrons.
- The positive charge indicates that one electron is removed, but it still retains 2 lone pairs.
- **Lone pairs = 2**

**D: XeO3**
- Xenon is the central atom.
- The structure has 3 oxygen (O) atoms bonded to xenon and 1 lone pair of electrons.
- **Lone pairs = 1**

3. **Compare the Number of Lone Pairs**:
- **XeOF4**: 1 lone pair
- **XeO2F2**: 1 lone pair
- **XeF3+**: 2 lone pairs
- **XeO3**: 1 lone pair

4. **Conclusion**:
The molecule with the maximum number of non-bonding electron pairs (lone pairs) around the central atom is **C: XeF3+**, which has **2 lone pairs**.

### Final Answer:
The molecule exhibiting the maximum number of non-bonding electron pairs around the central atom is **C: XeF3+**.