XeF2 Polar Or Nonpolar : Why, How And Detailed Explanations

In this article, we will discuss the nature of XeF2 is polar or nonpolar also detailed explanation about XeF2 molecule.

Nature of XeF2: Due to liner shaped geometry of XeF2. where fluorine atoms are symmetrically attached on both sides of the xenon atom, However, the polarity of Xe-F bonds gets cancelled by each other due to different electronegativity of xenon and fluorine hence XeF2 is nonpolar.

Dipole Moment Of XeF2 is polar or nonpolar

The XeF2 molecule has a sp3d hybridization, due to this it has a trigonal pyramidal geometry which has a three lone pair and two bond pair which all lone pairs and bond pairs are arranged in same plane hence XeF2 has a linear shape. Due to symmetrical structure the dipole moment get cancelled with each other and net dipole moment become zero. hence XeF2 is nonpolar in nature.

  XeF2Polar or nonpolar
Structure of XeF2 wikipedia

Why XeF2 is Polar or Nonpolar

In Xenon difluoride molecule fluorine and xenon atoms form two covalent bonds (Xe-F) with each other. Fluorine atom attracts bonded electron pair towards itself due to higher electronegativity. Then fluorine acquires a negative charge while xenon acquires a positive charge.
Xenon difluoride is nonpolar because it has a linear shaped symmetrical structure so induced partial charges of xenon and fluorine atoms nullified each other and the net dipole moment becomes zero in xenon difluoride molecule which makes XeF2 a non-polar.

Nonpolar structure of XeF2

non polar Structure of XeF2
Nonpolar structure of XeF2

How is XeF2 is polar or nonpolar detailed explanation

Already we know that zero dipole moment molecules are nonpolar in nature. In another case, the molecules that have equal charge distribution on their atoms with linear-shaped symmetrical structure induced partial charges on the individual atoms nullify each other and the net dipole moment becomes zero so, in that condition molecule becomes non-polar in nature.

In the xenon difluoride structure, the central atom is xenon surrounded by two fluorine atoms and forms Xe-F covalent bond. In covalent bond formation xenon and fluorine both share their electrons with each other for completing their octate and becoming stable. The electronegativity of an atom represents its capability of attracting bonded electron pairs towards it. If the electronegativity of an atom is more it attracts bonded pairs of an electron more efficiently.

In the case of xenon difluoride, the electronegativity of xenon is 2.6 and that of fluorine is 3.98 therefore fluorine is more electronegative than xenon. Because of this the fluorine attracts bonded electron pairs and acquires a negative charge. While xenon acquires a positive charge. The dipole moment of the Xe-F bond becomes greater than zero. But due to the symmetrical geometry of xenon difluoride , the pair of equal charges of both Xe-F bonds becomes cancelled with each other hence Xenon difluoride is a non-polar molecule.

Frequently Asked Question and Answer

What is the nature of XeF2 molecule polar or nonpolar?

Answer: Due to liner shaped geometry of XeF2. where fluorine atoms are symmetrically attached on both sides of the xenon atom, However, the polarity of Xe-F bonds gets cancelled by each other due to different electronegativity of xenon and fluorine hence XeF2 is nonpolar.

what type of bond is present in XeF2

answer: Covalent bond is present in XeF2 molecule.

Why is XeF2 a linear structure?

Answer: XeF2 is a linear molecule due to the arrangement of fluorine atoms and the lone pairs of electrons in the symmetric arrangement.

What is the net dipole moment of xenon difluoride?

Answer: The XeF2 has a linear molecular geometry and Xe-F bonds are symmetrical to each other, as a result, the net dipole moment becomes zero.

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