NEETChemistryChemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
Which of the following molecules has an expanded octet around its central atom and possesses a square planar geometry?
Options
- ASF ₄
- BBrF ₅
- CXeF ₄
- DPCl ₅
Correct answer
C. XeF ₄
Step-by-step solution
Let us evaluate the electron count and geometry for each molecule based on VSEPR theory: SF ₄ : Sulfur has 6 valence electrons. It forms 4 single bonds with F and has 1 lone pair. Total electrons around S = 4 2 + 2 = 10 (expanded octet). Geometry: See-saw. BrF ₅ : Bromine has 7 valence electrons. It forms 5 single bonds with F and has 1 lone pair. Total electrons around Br = 5 2 + 2 = 12 (expanded octet). Geometry: Square pyramidal. XeF ₄ : Xenon has 8 valence electrons. It forms 4 single bonds with F and has 2 lon