According to VSEPR theory, which of the following correctly describes the shape of a XeF ₄ molecule and the number of lone pairs of electrons present on its central atom?

Step-by-step solution

The central atom is Xenon (Xe). Number of valence electrons in Xe = 8 Number of bonding pairs (bp) with Fluorine atoms = 4 Number of lone pairs (lp) on Xe = 8 - 4 2 = 2 Total number of electron pairs = 4 + 2 = 6 The hybridization is sp^3d^2 and the electron geometry is octahedral. To minimize lone pair-lone pair repulsion, the two lone pairs occupy opposite positions (axial positions). Thus, the molecular shape is square planar with two lone pairs on the central atom. Answer: Square planar shape with two lone pairs