Which of the following oxides is/are neutral? — p Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: The reaction of alkali metal fluorides (MF) with xenon tetrafluoride (XeF4) produces an ionic adduct M+[XeF5-], where the central atom of the anion is Xenon. Step 2: In the [XeF5]- anion, Xenon has 8 valence electrons plus 1 negative charge, making 9 electrons. It forms 5 single bonds with Fluorine, leaving 4 non-bonding electrons (2 lone pairs). The steric number is 5 (bond pairs) + 2 (lone pairs) = 7, which corresponds to sp3d3 hybridization. Step 3: According to VSEPR theory, a species with 5 bond pairs and 2 lone pairs in pentagonal bipyramidal electronic geometry adopts a pentagonal planar molecular shape. Thus, the correct option is (c).