Question

Account for the following :

(i) XeF₂ is linear molecule without a bend.

(ii) The electron gain enthalpy with negative sign for fluorine is less than that of chlorine, still fluorine is a stronger oxidizing agent than chlorine.

Answer 1

(i) The electron arrangement is trigonal bipyramidal. The shape is linear because the lone pairs prefer the equatorial positions. The molecule XeF₂ has 3lone-pairs and 2bond-pairs.

(ii) Low bond dissociation enthalpy and high hydration enthalpy of flourine.