Which of the following compound of Xe is square pyramidal ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The question asks which compound of xenon (Xe) is square pyramidal. The correct answer is Option 2: $XeOF_{4}$. Let's explore why this is the case and why the other options are incorrect.

### Explanation for Option 2: $XeOF_{4}$

1. **Molecular Geometry**: The compound $XeOF_{4}$ has a square pyramidal geometry. This is because xenon (Xe) is the central atom and is bonded to one oxygen (O) atom and four fluorine (F) atoms.

2. **Hybridization and Electron Pair Arrangement**: Xenon in $XeOF_{4}$ undergoes sp³d² hybridization. The electron pair geometry is octahedral, but due to the presence of one lone pair on xenon, the molecular shape becomes square pyramidal. The lone pair occupies one of the positions in the octahedral arrangement, leading to a square pyramidal shape for the molecule.

3. **Lone Pair Influence**: The lone pair on xenon repels the bonded pairs, causing the molecule to adopt a square pyramidal shape to minimize repulsion, which is consistent with VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory.

### Explanation for Why Other Options are Incorrect

1. **Option 1: $XeO_{3}$**
   - **Molecular Geometry**: $XeO_{3}$ has a trigonal pyramidal shape. Xenon is bonded to three oxygen atoms and has one lone pair. The presence of the lone pair results in a trigonal pyramidal geometry, not square pyramidal.

2. **Option 3: $XeF_{4}$**
   - **Molecular Geometry**: $XeF_{4}$ has a square planar geometry. Xenon is bonded to four fluorine atoms and has two lone pairs. The lone pairs are positioned opposite each other, resulting in a square planar shape, not square pyramidal.

3. **Option 4: $XeF_{2}$**
   - **Molecular Geometry**: $XeF_{2}$ has a linear shape. Xenon is bonded to two fluorine atoms and has three lone pairs. The lone pairs occupy equatorial positions in a trigonal bipyramidal arrangement, leading to a linear molecular shape, not square pyramidal.

In conclusion, $XeOF_{4}$ is the only compound among the given options that exhibits a square pyramidal geometry due to its specific bonding and lone pair arrangement. This supports the correct answer as Option 2.