Question

1. Give a method for preparation of XeO₃.

2. Deduce the molecular shape of BrF₃ on the basis of VSEPR theory.

Answer 1

1. XeO₃ is prepared by hydrolysis of xenon hexa fluride in presence of water.

XeF₆ + 3H₂O → XeO₃ + 6HF

2. In BrF₃ the central atom Br is sp³d hybridised with 3 bond pairs and 2 lone pairs. According to VSEPR theory the expected geometry is trigonal bipyramidal. But due to strong Ip – Ip and Ip – bp repulsions compared to weak bp – bp repulsion it Assumes a bend T – shape as shown below