Problem 1
(a) What is the collective name for the group 18 elements? (b) Write down, in order, the names and symbols of these elements; check your answer by reference to the first page of this chapter. (c) What common feature does the ground state electronic configuration of each element possess?
Problem 2
Construct MO diagrams for He \(_{2}\) and \(\left[\mathrm{He}_{2}\right]^{+}\) and rationalize why the former is not known but the latter may be detected.
Problem 3
Confirm that the observed gas-phase structures of \(\mathrm{XeF}_{2}\), \(\mathrm{XeF}_{4}\) and \(\mathrm{XeF}_{6}\) are consistent with the VSEPR model.
Problem 4
Rationalize the structure of \(\left[\mathrm{XeF}_{8}\right]^{2-}\) (a square antiprism) in terms of the VSEPR model.
Problem 6
Why is \(\mathrm{XeCl}_{2}\) likely to be much less stable than \(\mathrm{XeF}_{2} ?\)
Problem 8
Predict the structures of \(\left[\mathrm{XeO}_{6}\right]^{4-}, \mathrm{XeOF}_{2}, \mathrm{XeOF}_{4}\), \(\mathrm{XeO}_{2} \mathrm{F}_{2}, \mathrm{XeO}_{2} \mathrm{F}_{4}\) and \(\mathrm{XeO}_{3} \mathrm{F}_{2}\).
Problem 9
Suggest products for the following reactions (which are not necessarily balanced on the left-hand sides): (a) \(\mathrm{CsF}+\mathrm{XeF}_{4} \rightarrow\) (b) \(\mathrm{SiO}_{2}+\mathrm{XeOF}_{4} \rightarrow\) (c) \(\mathrm{XeF}_{2}+\mathrm{SbF}_{5} \rightarrow\) (d) \(\mathrm{XeF}_{6}+[\mathrm{OH}]^{-} \rightarrow\) (e) \(\mathrm{KrF}_{2}+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \rightarrow\)
Problem 10
Write a brief account of the chemistry of the xenon fluorides.
Problem 16
By referring to the following literature source, assess the safety precautions required when handling \(\mathrm{XeO}_{4}\); M. Gerken and G.J. Schrobilgen (2002) Inorganic Chemistry, vol. \(41,\) p. 198.
Problem 18
Use MO theory to rationalize why the Xe-F bond strength in \([\mathrm{XeF}]^{+}\) is greater than in \(\mathrm{XeF}_{2}\).
