Q47 / 150 · MHT CET 2025 (27 Apr Shift 2) · Chemistry
Which from following molecules is square pyramidal?
- Correct answerA$\mathrm{XeF}_4$
- B$\mathrm{XeF}_6$
- C$\mathrm{XeOF}_4$
- D$\mathrm{XeO}_3$
Solution
Molecular geometry determination using VSEPR theory:
For $\mathrm{XeF}_4$, xenon has four bonding pairs and two lone pairs, giving octahedral electron geometry and square planar molecular geometry.
For $\mathrm{XeF}_6$, xenon has six bonding pairs and one lone pair, resulting in pentagonal bipyramidal electron geometry and distorted octahedral molecular geometry.
For $\mathrm{XeOF}_4$, xenon has five bonding domains (four single bonds to fluorine and one double bond to oxygen) and one lone pair, yielding octahedral electron geometry and square pyramidal molecular geometry.
For $\mathrm{XeO}_3$, xenon has three bonding domains (double bonds to oxygen) and one lone pair, giving tetrahedral electron geometry and trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry.
The molecule with square pyramidal geometry is $\mathrm{XeOF}_4$.
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.