Problem Set Question 4

Question

A molecular compound is composed of 58.8 % Xe, 7.2% O, and 34.0% F, by mass. If the molecular weight is 223 amu, what is the geometry of the compound?

Answer 1

Assume 100 g of the compound:

58.8 g Xe x 1 mol Xe / 131 g = 0.449 mol Xe

7.2 g O x 1 mol O / 16 g = 0.450 mol O

34.0 g F x 1 mol F / 19 g = 1.789 mol F

Empirical formula = XeOF₄ with a molar mass = 223

Molecular formula = XeOF₄

Molecular geometry is square pyramid

Electron geometry is octahedral