Total number of lone pair of electrons on Xe in XeO${\mathrm{F}}_4$ is

To analyze the total number of lone pairs of electrons in XeOF₄, we need to follow a systematic approach considering the valency of xenon:

Step 1: Understand the Valency of Xenon

Xenon (Xe) belongs to the noble gases in the periodic table, with 8 valence electrons. The valency of xenon allows it to form bonds with multiple atoms, including fluorine and oxygen, despite its inert nature.

Step 2: Count the Valence Electrons from Fluorine and Oxygen

• Each fluorine (F) contributes 1 valence electron, and there are 4 fluorine atoms, providing a total of 4 × 1 = 4 electrons.
• Oxygen (O) contributes 6 valence electrons.

Step 3: Calculate the Total Valence Electrons

Now, we sum the valence electrons from all contributing atoms:

Total valence electrons = Valence electrons from xenon + Valence electrons from fluorine + Valence electrons from oxygen

Total = 8 + 4 + 6 = 18 electrons

This calculation reflects the bonding potential of xenon, emphasizing the role of the valency of xenon in forming compounds.

Step 4: Draw the Lewis Structure of XeOF₄

• Xenon is the central atom.
• It forms single bonds with the 4 fluorine atoms and one double bond with the oxygen atom.
• Each bond uses 2 electrons.

Step 5: Calculate Electrons Used in Bonding

• 4 single bonds to fluorine: 4 × 2 = 8 electrons
• 1 double bond to oxygen: 2 electrons
• Total electrons used in bonding: 8 + 2 = 10 electrons

Step 6: Calculate Remaining Electrons

We subtract the bonding electrons from the total valence electrons:

Remaining electrons = 18 − 10 = 8 electrons

Step 7: Distribute Remaining Electrons as Lone Pairs

The remaining 8 electrons are placed as lone pairs:

• Each lone pair consists of 2 electrons.
• Number of lone pairs = 8 ÷ 2 = 4 lone pairs

Step 8: Determine Lone Pairs on Xenon

After bonding, the valency of xenon allows it to retain 2 electrons as a lone pair. These 2 electrons form 1 lone pair on the xenon atom itself.

Final Answer

Thus, the total number of lone pairs of electrons on xenon in XeOF₄ is 1. This highlights how the valency of xenon enables the formation of stable bonds while retaining lone pair electrons.