Which of the following xenon compound has the same number of lone pairs as in I3^-? — p Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Determine the number of lone pairs in the triiodide ion (I3^-). The central iodine atom has 7 valence electrons plus 1 negative charge, making 8 valence electrons. It forms 2 single covalent bonds with the terminal iodine atoms, leaving 6 non-bonding electrons, which correspond to 3 lone pairs. Step 2: Now analyze the xenon compounds: XeO4 has 0 lone pairs on the central Xe atom. XeF4 has 2 lone pairs on Xe. XeF2 has 8 valence electrons, forms 2 Xe-F single bonds, leaving 6 non-bonding electrons, which equal 3 lone pairs on the central Xe atom. Step 3: Therefore, XeF2 has the same number of lone pairs (3) on its central atom as I3^-, matching option (c).