Two unknown species, X and Y, satisfy the following conditions: Condition for X: It is a polyatomic species in which all the bonds around the central atom are not of equal length. Condition for Y: It is a homonuclear diatomic species that is paramagnetic and has a bond order of 1.5 . Identify the correct pair of species (X and Y) from the given options.

Step-by-step solution

Condition for X: The species must have unequal bond lengths. Let us check the given polyatomic species. PF ₅ : The central P atom is sp^3d hybridized with a trigonal bipyramidal geometry. The two axial P - F bonds are longer than the three equatorial P - F bonds due to greater repulsion. Thus, it has unequal bond lengths. XeF ₄ : The central Xe atom is sp^3d^2 hybridized with two lone pairs, resulting in a square planar geometry. All four Xe - F bonds are equal. SF ₆ : The central S atom is sp^3d^2 hybridized with