Question

Xe do not form XeF3 and XeF5 why?

Answer 1

Xe has a complete filled 5p configuration. As a result when it undergoes bonding with an odd number (3 or 5) of F atoms it leaves behind one unpaired electron. This causes the molecule to become unstable. As a result XeF3 and XeF5 do not exist.

Answer 2

Answer:

1. Xe is a nobel gas with fully filled 5p orbitals
2. Xe has paired electrons in each of its filled orbitals.
3. 2, 4 and 6 half-filled orbitals will form as a result of the promotion of 1, 2, or 3 electrons from the 5p filled orbitals to the 5d unoccupied orbitals.
4. Xe can therefore combine with an even number of F-atoms but not an odd number.
5. Hence, Xenon is capable of forming compounds containing two or four or six, that is, even number of molecules, for example, XeF4
6. But it cannot form with odd number of atoms like XeF3 and XeF5.

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