Chapter 21, Problem 21.165QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The bonding and molecular geometry in ${\text{XeF}}_{\text{4}}$ has to be discussed based on VSEPR theory.

Concept introduction:

• VSEPR theory refers to V alence S hell E lectron P air R epulsion theory.  This theory is useful to predict the geometry of any molecule or ions.
• This theory predicts the geometry of molecular based on the bond angle between the atoms bonded in the molecule and the electronic repulsive forces between the atoms bonded in the molecule.
• A molecule may be homoatomic or heteroatomic and polyatomic depend upon the number and chemical nature of atoms.  All these factors influences the geometry of a molecule as they influence the electronic forces between the atoms.
• According to this theory the atoms undergo hybridization – mixing of orbitals and bonding takes place between the orbitals.
• As the valence bond theory predicts molecular geometry on the basis of type of hybridization in the molecule, VSEPR theory accounts for the deviations observed out of such assumptions.