What is the state of hybridisation of Xe in cationic part of solid XeF6? — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Recognize that in the solid state, XeF6 exists as an ionic compound composed of [XeF5]+ and [F]- ions. The cationic part is [XeF5]+. Step 2: Xenon has 8 valence electrons, minus 1 for the positive charge = 7. Five electrons form single bonds with Fluorine atoms, leaving 1 lone pair. Steric number = 5 bond pairs + 1 lone pair = 6. Step 3: A steric number of 6 corresponds to sp3d2 hybridization.