What Is The Hybridization Of The Central Atom In XeO2F2?

The central atom in XeO2F2 is xenon (Xe). To determine the hybridization of Xe, we first need to count the number of electron groups around Xe.

In XeO2F2, there are two oxygen atoms and two fluorine atoms bonded to Xe, which gives a total of four electron groups around Xe. Additionally, there are two lone pairs of electrons on Xe, which also count as electron groups.

Thus, the total number of electron groups around Xe is six. According to the valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory, six electron groups will adopt an octahedral geometry.

The hybridization of Xe is determined by the number of electron groups and the geometry adopted. In this case, Xe has six electron groups and adopts an octahedral geometry, so the hybridization of Xe is sp3d2.