How do you draw the Lewis structure of XeF₂?

XeF₂ has 22 valence electrons. Xenon forms 2 single bonds to fluorine, using 4 electrons; 18 remain. Each F gets 3 lone pairs (12 electrons). 6 electrons remain as 3 lone pairs on Xe. Total on Xe: 10 electrons (expanded octet).

Lewis Structure of XeF₂ (Xenon Difluoride)

What is the Lewis structure of XeF₂?

XeF₂ has 22 valence electrons, 2 bonding electron pairs, and 9 lone pairs. XeF₂ has 22 valence electrons. Four are in two Xe-F bonds, 6 form 3 lone pairs on xenon, and 12 form 3 lone pairs on each fluorine. Xenon has 10 electrons around it (expanded octet). The 3 lone pairs occupy equatorial positions, giving a linear molecular geometry.

Lewis structure of XeF₂ (Xenon Difluoride)

Formula	XeF₂
Name	Xenon Difluoride
Total Valence Electrons	22
Lone Pairs	9
Has Resonance	No
Concept	Expanded Octet
Difficulty	Advanced

Step 1: Count Valence Electrons

Xe (Group 8A) has 8, each F has 7: 8 + 2(7) = 22 total.

Step 2: Draw the Skeleton

Xenon forms 2 single bonds to fluorine, using 4 electrons; 18 remain.

Step 3: Distribute Lone Pairs

Each F gets 3 lone pairs (12 electrons). 6 electrons remain as 3 lone pairs on Xe. Total on Xe: 10 electrons (expanded octet).

Step 4: Form Multiple Bonds

No multiple bonds. Xe has 2 bonds + 3 lone pairs = 10 electrons. Noble gases can form compounds when they use d orbitals.

Step 5: Check Formal Charges

Xe: FC = 8 - 6 - ½(4) = 0
F: FC = 7 - 6 - ½(2) = 0

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