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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of the neutral compound XeO_4?
A
XeO_4 has xenon as the central atom, surrounded by four oxygen atoms, each connected by a single bond, with one lone pair on xenon.
B
XeO_4 has xenon as the central atom, surrounded by four oxygen atoms, each connected by a double bond, with two lone pairs on xenon.
C
XeO_4 has xenon as the central atom, surrounded by four oxygen atoms, each connected by a double bond, with no lone pairs on xenon.
D
XeO_4 has xenon as the central atom, surrounded by four oxygen atoms, each connected by a single bond, with two lone pairs on xenon.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Determine the total number of valence electrons available for bonding in XeO_4. Xenon (Xe) is in group 18 and has 8 valence electrons, and each oxygen (O) atom is in group 16 with 6 valence electrons. Calculate total valence electrons as: $8 + 4 \times 6$.
Step 2: Identify the central atom, which is xenon (Xe), because it is less electronegative and can expand its octet due to available d-orbitals.
Step 3: Connect the four oxygen atoms to xenon with single bonds initially, using 2 electrons per bond. Subtract these bonding electrons from the total valence electrons to find remaining electrons.
Step 4: Distribute the remaining electrons to satisfy the octet rule for oxygen atoms first, then place any leftover electrons on xenon. Check if xenon has an expanded octet and if lone pairs remain on xenon.
Step 5: Consider the possibility of forming double bonds between xenon and oxygen atoms to reduce formal charges and achieve a more stable Lewis structure. Calculate formal charges to confirm the most stable arrangement, which typically results in xenon bonded to four oxygens with double bonds and no lone pairs on xenon.