Xenon Tetrafluoride hybridization

Ammar SH

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Hi I would like to understand how does the hybridization of an inert gas(fully stable octet)--Xenon happen?
Since hybridization happens to promote electrons to higher sublevels but xenon's sublevels are already full.
So how and why does the hybridization occur?

2. Relevant equations

Through my research on various websites I arrived at the conclusion that it is a
sp^3d^2 hybridization.
Although I still do not understand.



3. The attempt at a solution




Xenon's shorthand electron configuration:

[Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p⁶

I have hypothesized the following:

In order for hybridization of Xenon to occur two electrons from the 5p sublevel are promoted to the 5d sublevel and then 1 electron from the 5s sublevel is promoted to the 5p sublevel.

Therefore, the resulting electron configuration is:

[Kr] 5s 5p⁵ 5d ²

Hence, there will be 4 spots in total for Fluorine's electrons to fit into Xenon.

Recall: my question is: Is my understanding(the understanding above) of Xenon's sp3d2 hybridization correct? is that what happens?

Thank you for your responses.





I am hypothesizing the following:
The electron from the