The complete hydrolysis of which of the following compounds of Xe is a redox reaction?

Options

A. `XeF_2`
B. `XeF_4`
C. `XeF_6`
D. Both (1) and (2)

Answer

To determine which compound of xenon undergoes complete hydrolysis as a redox reaction, we need to analyze the hydrolysis of the xenon compounds: XeF2, XeF4, and XeF6.

### Step 1: Hydrolysis of XeF2
- **Reaction**: XeF2 + H2O → Xe + 2 HF + 1/2 O2
- **Oxidation States**:
- Xe in XeF2: +2
- Xe in products: 0
- O in H2O: -2; O in O2: 0
- **Changes**:
- Xenon (Xe) is reduced from +2 to 0 (reduction).
- Oxygen is oxidized from -2 to 0 (oxidation).
- **Conclusion**: This is a redox reaction.

### Step 2: Hydrolysis of XeF4
- **Reaction**: XeF4 + 2 H2O → Xe + 4 HF + O2
- **Oxidation States**:
- Xe in XeF4: +4
- Xe in products: 0
- O in H2O: -2; O in O2: 0
- **Changes**:
- Xenon (Xe) is reduced from +4 to 0 (reduction).
- Oxygen is oxidized from -2 to 0 (oxidation).
- **Conclusion**: This is also a redox reaction.

### Step 3: Hydrolysis of XeF6
- **Reaction**: XeF6 + 3 H2O → XeO3 + 6 HF
- **Oxidation States**:
- Xe in XeF6: +6
- Xe in products (XeO3): +6
- O in H2O: -2; O in XeO3: -2
- **Changes**:
- Xenon remains at +6 (no change).
- Oxygen remains at -2 (no change).
- **Conclusion**: This is not a redox reaction as there is no change in oxidation states.

### Final Conclusion
The complete hydrolysis of XeF2 and XeF4 involves redox reactions, while the hydrolysis of XeF6 does not. Therefore, the compounds of xenon that undergo complete hydrolysis as a redox reaction are **XeF2 and XeF4**.