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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the best Lewis dot structure for XeI_2 (xenon diiodide), a neutral compound?
A
Xe atom in the center with two single bonds to I atoms, and no lone pairs on Xe
B
Xe atom in the center with two single bonds to I atoms, and one lone pair on Xe
C
Xe atom in the center with two single bonds to I atoms, and three lone pairs on Xe
D
Xe atom in the center with two double bonds to I atoms, and two lone pairs on Xe
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Determine the total number of valence electrons available for bonding in XeI_2. Xenon (Xe) is in group 18 and has 8 valence electrons, and each iodine (I) atom is in group 17 with 7 valence electrons. Calculate the total by adding these together: $8 + 2 \times 7$.
Step 2: Draw a skeletal structure with the xenon atom in the center bonded to two iodine atoms. Each bond represents 2 electrons shared between atoms.
Step 3: Subtract the electrons used in bonding from the total valence electrons to find the number of electrons remaining to be placed as lone pairs on the atoms.
Step 4: Assign lone pairs to the iodine atoms first to complete their octets (each iodine needs 8 electrons total, including bonding electrons). Then place any remaining electrons as lone pairs on the xenon atom.
Step 5: Verify that the xenon atom follows the expanded octet rule (it can have more than 8 electrons) and that the total number of electrons used in bonds and lone pairs equals the total valence electrons calculated in Step 1. The best Lewis structure will have xenon with two single bonds to iodine atoms and three lone pairs on xenon.