Unraveling the Structure of XeF6: VSEPR and Valence Bond Theories

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the molecular structure of xenon hexafluoride (XeF6), exploring its geometry through VSEPR and Valence Bond theories. Participants express confusion regarding whether XeF6 adopts an octahedral shape or a pyramidal structure with a pentagonal base, while also referencing related species such as iodine hexafluoride (IF6).

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that XeF6 has sp3d3 hybridization and proposes it may be a pyramid with a pentagonal base due to the presence of a lone pair on xenon.
  • Another participant questions the existence of IF6, asserting that it should be [IF6]+, which they claim has an octahedral structure.
  • There is a correction regarding the mention of IF6, with a participant clarifying that they meant XeF6.
  • Some participants argue that XeF6 does not conform to a perfect octahedral structure or the proposed pyramidal structure, indicating ambiguity in its geometry.
  • One participant references external sources, such as Wikipedia, to seek clarity on the structure of XeF6.
  • Another participant notes that images of sp3d3 structures show IF7 having a different geometry, suggesting that the presence of a lone pair in XeF6 may account for structural differences.
  • A later reply confirms the pentagonal bipyramidal structure for IF7 and encourages the application of VSEPR theory to XeF6 to analyze its geometry further.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the structure of XeF6, with no consensus reached regarding whether it is octahedral or pyramidal. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing perspectives on the geometry of XeF6.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about hybridization and the implications of lone pairs on molecular geometry. The references to related species like IF6 and IF7 introduce additional complexity without resolving the primary question about XeF6.

mooncrater
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Homework Statement


I am confused about the structure of ##XeF_6##.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Is it octahedral or a pyramid with a pentagonal base? ##Xe## has ##sp^3d^3## hybridization. Then I think the latter one is correct. Since the first one has nonarrangement for the lone pair over ##Xe##.
 
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mooncrater said:

Homework Statement


I am confused about the structure of ##IF_6##.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Is it octahedral or a pyramid with a pentagonal base? ##I ## has ##sp^3d^3## hybridization. Then I think the latter one is correct. Since the first one has nonarrangement for the lone pair over ##I ##.
I think there is no thing as IF6.
It should be [IF6]+ as that is the stable specie.
So it has then a octahedral structure.
 
Raghav Gupta said:
I think there is no thing as IF6.
It should be [IF6]+ as that is the stable specie.
So it has then a octahedral structure.
Sorry I meant to say ##XeF_6##... did that in hurry.
 
mooncrater said:
Sorry I meant to say ##XeF_6##... did that in hurry.
Hey how you edited the title?
Did you reported it to staff?
XeF6 does not have perfect octahedral or the other structure you have showed in attempt.
 
Raghav Gupta said:
Hey how you edited the title?
Did you reported it to staff?
XeF6 does not have perfect octahedral or the other structure you have showed in attempt.
I used the thread tools.
It has ##sp^3d^3## hybridization for sure. But it's structure is still not clear to me.
 
But when we search about ##sp^3d^3## in images section of Google then we can see the structure of ##IF_7## which has ##sp^3d^3## structure. Why it has a different structure?
 
mooncrater said:
But when we search about ##sp^3d^3## in images section of Google then we can see the structure of ##IF_7## which has ##sp^3d^3## structure. Why it has a different structure?
They are saying that it has an unusual pentagonal bi pyramidal structure .
And remember one has lone pair and IF7 does not have that. So some differences will be there.
 
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Ok then... I assume my doubt cleared.
Thank you. (##R\longrightarrow R ## help)
 
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Raghav Gupta said:
They are saying that it has an unusual pentagonal bi pyramidal structure .
And remember one has lone pair and IF7 does not have that. So some differences will be there.
Good call RG... The Pentagonal Bipyramid is correct. Now, can you apply the VSEPR theory and show => AX6E geometry for :XeF6? and then the Valence Bond theory to show how the ground state electron configuration of Xe hybridizes at the valence level to give seven (7) sp3d3 hybrid orbitals? I'll bet you already know how to do it. Go for it!
 

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