The problem stated that Xe was to be the central atom when drawing the Lewis structure for the following molecules: XeOF2, XeF4, and XeOF4 . Does this mean that other noble gases can be central atoms as well, or was this problem just an exception?
Thanks!
Noble gases as central atoms? textbook problem 2C.11
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Re: Noble gases as central atoms? textbook problem 2C.11
Hi! I'm not sure if this is simply an exception because I think it just depends on electronegativity.
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Re: Noble gases as central atoms? textbook problem 2C.11
Hi! Usually, the central atom is the atom that has the lowest ionization energy and electronegativity. Xe has lower ionization energy (~1170 kJ/mol) than oxygen (~1313 kJ/mol) and fluorine (~1681 kJ/mol), and it has a lower electronegativity (0) than oxygen (3.44) and fluorine (3.98). Molecules also favor symmetrical organizations, so having Xe in the center makes more sense than having F as the central atom.
This is a bit of a funky case, though, because noble gasses are super stable and not very reactive. Good ole Xe making our lives harder.
This is a bit of a funky case, though, because noble gasses are super stable and not very reactive. Good ole Xe making our lives harder.
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