XeF4 Lewis Structure
The Lewis dot structure of xenon tetrafluoride (XeF4): 4 single Xe–F bonds, 2 lone pairs on xenon, and a square planar shape.
How to draw the Lewis structure of XeF4
- Count valence electrons: Xe has 8, each F has 7. Total = 8 + (4 × 7) = 36 electrons.
- Put xenon in the centre (it is the least electronegative atom) and connect it to each of the 4 fluorines with a single bond, using 8 electrons.
- Give each fluorine 3 lone pairs to complete its octet (6 electrons × 4 F = 24 electrons, total so far 32).
- Place the 4 remaining electrons (2 lone pairs) on xenon. Xenon is one of the few elements that can hold more than 8 electrons (an expanded octet), so this is allowed.
Why XeF4 is square planar
Counting bonds and lone pairs together, xenon has 6 electron groups (4 bonding pairs + 2 lone pairs). Six groups spread out into an octahedral electron geometry. To keep the two lone pairs as far apart as possible (minimising repulsion), they sit on opposite sides of xenon rather than next to each other. That leaves the 4 fluorine atoms in a flat square around xenon, giving the molecule's actual shape: square planar, with F–Xe–F bond angles of 90°.
Build XeF4 and other molecules atom by atom, and watch the VSEPR shape form in 3D, in the Generador de Moléculas below.
Preguntas frecuentes
How many lone pairs does the Lewis structure of XeF4 have on xenon?
Two. Xenon brings 8 valence electrons, 4 are used in the 4 Xe–F bonds, leaving 4 electrons (2 lone pairs) on the xenon atom.
Why is XeF4 square planar and not tetrahedral?
XeF4 has 6 electron groups around xenon (4 bonds + 2 lone pairs), which arrange octahedrally. The 2 lone pairs go on opposite sides to repel each other as little as possible, leaving the 4 fluorines in a flat square.
Is XeF4 polar or nonpolar?
Nonpolar. The 4 Xe–F bond dipoles point outward symmetrically in a square and cancel out, and the 2 lone pairs are also on opposite sides, so there is no overall dipole.
How many total valence electrons does XeF4 have?
36: xenon contributes 8 and each of the 4 fluorines contributes 7 (8 + 4 × 7 = 36).
