P Block Elements – NEET UG ChemistryPractice Questions & PYQs

Molecular geometry is dictated by the minimization of repulsion between valence electron pairs surrounding the central atom. In $\mathrm{XeF}_{4}$, the central xenon atom undergoes $sp^{3}d^{2}$ hybridization to accommodate four bond pairs and two lone pairs. To minimize electronic repulsion, the two lone pairs occupy trans positions above and below the molecular plane, forcing the four fluorine atoms into a square planar arrangement.