Skip to content

Chemistry · Ch 7 — Elements of Groups 16, 17 and 18

Oxyfluorides of Xenon

7.13.3

Oxyfluorides of Xenon

Xenon forms the following oxyfluorides:

XeOF2, XeO2F2, XeO3F2, XeO2F4, XeOF4\mathrm{XeOF_2,\ XeO_2F_2,\ XeO_3F_2,\ XeO_2F_4,\ XeOF_4}

a. Preparation

i. Partial hydrolysis of xenon fluorides yields different oxyfluorides.

XeF4+H2O→80 0CXeOF2+2HF\mathrm{XeF_4 + H_2O \xrightarrow{80\ ^{0}C} XeOF_2 + 2HF}

XeF6+H2O⟶XeOF4+2HF\mathrm{XeF_6 + H_2O \longrightarrow XeOF_4 + 2HF}

ii. Reaction of xenon oxyfluoride with SiO2\mathrm{SiO_2}, or hydrolysis, yields xenon dioxydifluoride.

2XeOF4+SiO2⟶2XeO2F2+SiF4\mathrm{2XeOF_4 + SiO_2 \longrightarrow 2XeO_2F_2 + SiF_4}

XeOF4+H2O⟶XeO2F2+2HF\mathrm{XeOF_4 + H_2O \longrightarrow XeO_2F_2 + 2HF}

Table 7.13 : Structure of Xenon Compounds

Sr. No.FormulaOxidation state of XeStructure
1.XeF2\mathrm{XeF_2}+2Linear
2.XeF4\mathrm{XeF_4}+4Square planar
3.XeF6\mathrm{XeF_6}+6Distorted octahedral
4.XeO3\mathrm{XeO_3}+6Trigonal pyramidal
5.XeOF4\mathrm{XeOF_4}+6Square pyramidal (the book's cell prints "Square pyamidal")

The book's Structure column draws each of these five molecules as a 3D ball-and-lobe model, with the lone pairs shown as shaded lobes — reproduced in the figure below.

Figure 7.13.3aThe five ball-and-lobe models of Table 7.13: linear XeF2 with three equatorial lone pairs, square planar XeF4 with two axial lone pairs, distorted octahedral XeF6 with one lone pair, trigonal pyramidal XeO3, and square pyramidal XeOF4 with its apical oxygen.
Fig. 7.13.3a — The five ball-and-lobe models of Table 7.13: linear XeF2 with three equatorial lone pairs, square planar XeF4 with two axial lone pairs, distorted octahedral XeF6 with one lone pair, trigonal pyramidal XeO3, and square pyramidal XeOF4 with its apical oxygen.

Drawn by us to help you understand the concept clearly, and verified to make sure it's accurate. For exams, practice from your textbook's own diagram.

The Structure column of Table 7.13, drawn out. Count bonds + lone pairs around Xe and each shape follows: XeF2\mathrm{XeF_2} - 2 bonds + 3 lone pairs = linear; XeF4\mathrm{XeF_4} - 4 + 2 = square planar; XeF6\mathrm{XeF_6} - 6 + 1 = distorted octahedral (the lone pair spoils the perfect octahedron); XeO3\mathrm{XeO_3} - 3 + 1 = trigonal pyramidal; XeOF4\mathrm{XeOF_4} - 5 (four F + one O on top) + 1 = **squa …

Table 7.14 : Uses of helium, neon and argon (the book closes the chapter's reading matter with this table of noble-gas uses)

ElementUses
Heliumi. A mixture of He and O2\mathrm{O_2} is used for artificial breathing of asthma patients. ii. A mixture of He and O2\mathrm{O_2} is used for respiration by sea divers. iii. For filling balloons, a mixture of helium (85%) and hydrogen (15 %) is used. iv. Helium is used for producing the inert atmosphere required for welding purposes and metallurgy of some metals. v. Liquid helium is used for producing the low temperatures required for research. vi. In low temperature gas thermometry, and for production of lasers. vii. Used to pressurize fuel tanks of liquid fueled rockets. viii. Used as shielding gas for arc welding. ix. In supersonic wind tunnels. x. The helium nucleus is used as a bombarding particle for disintegration of atoms. xi. Used for magnetic resonance imaging.
Neoni. In neon discharge lamps and signs. These signs are visible from long distances, and also in mist or fog. ii. A mixture of Ne and He is used in certain protective electrical devices, such as voltage stabilizers and current rectifiers. iii. For production of lasers. iv. In fluorescent tubes.
Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →
← Previous · 7.13.2Xenon trioxideNext · 7.13.3 →Q1 — What are the missing entries ? | Formula | Name | |---|---| | XeOF₂ | …