Question

Which of the following is correct order of
electronegativity of Xe in the given compounds?
(1) XeF6 < XeF4 < XeOF2 < XeO3
(2) XeO3 < XeO2F2 < XeF4 < XeF6
(3) XeF4 < XeO2F2 < XeO3 < XeF6
(4) XeF4 < XeF6 < XeO2F2 < XeO3​

Answer 1

1 is the correct order

Answer 2

The correct order of electronegativity of Xenon compounds will be:

XeO3 < XeO2F2< XeF4< XeF6.

• The electronegativity of a compound depends on the number of electronegative atoms attached to the central atom which increases the positive charge on it.
• The electronegativity of F is greater than that of O.
• So the compound with the most number of F will be the highest electronegative compound of all, which is XeF6.
• And the compound with the most number of O and least number of F will be the most electropositive.
• Hence, option 2 is the correct answer.