After this step, the octet for all the participating atoms is complete and the central atom is left with 4 bond pairs and one lone pair.However, each of the oxygen atoms still requires one more electron that can be provided by allowing the formation of a double bond between Xenon and oxygen atoms. From the above figure, it is clear that the octet for Xenon and fluorine atom is complete.If this is so then further arrangements are made to complete its octet. This is to evaluate if more electrons are required by any of the participating atoms. Next, we will link all the participating atoms to the central atom with a single bond.

In the present case, Xenon being the most stable atom is chosen as the central atom. Usually, the least electronegative and most stable atom is chosen for this purpose. Now, we will choose a central atom for this molecule.Hence, for 2 fluorine atoms, Total number of valence e – = 14

Similarly, for Fluorine, A group 17 atom, Hence, for 2 oxygen atoms, the Total number of valence e – = 12 First of all, we will calculate the number of valence electrons for each of the individual atoms present in one molecule of XeO2F2.We will now draw the Lewis structure of XeO2F2 step by step: Xenon can expand its octet and accommodate more than eight electrons in its valence shell owing to the presence of vacant 5d orbitals. However, Xenon and other noble gases are an exception as they have vacant d-orbitals to accommodate the extra electrons. You are right, this is impossible for most atoms. However, you may ask here that if Xenon already had eight electrons then why did it still form bonds with other atoms? Also, both fluorine and oxygen atoms that were lacking one and two electrons, respectively, have become stable by attaining octet. Xenon, being a noble gas, already had eight valence electrons. Looking at the Lewis structure of XeO2F2, it can be deciphered that all the atoms have attained their octet. The bond between two atoms is represented through a line. Here, electrons are represented with dots and a nucleus with the atomic symbol of that atom.

It illustrates the arrangement of electrons in an atom. The Lewis structure of an atom is a simplified representation of its atomic structure with its nucleus and valence electrons. Lewis and lays the foundation of all the other concepts related to an atom viz. This concept was put forth by Walther Kossel and Gilbert N. Usually, every atom tries to obtain the electronic configuration of its nearest noble gas to become stable.Īs all the noble gases, except helium, have 8 electrons in the outermost shell, the atoms of other elements also try to obtain eight electrons in their valence shell. However, the number and type of bond formed by an atom also depend upon these electrons present in the outermost shell. Octet RuleĪs stated earlier, the atoms form chemical bonds using their valence electrons. the outermost shell houses the valence electrons that also participate in chemical bonding. Therefore, in an atom, the electrons housed farthest from the nucleus have the highest energy, and are known as the valence electrons. The amount of energy of the electron increases as the electron moves away from the nucleus. Each electron carries a negative charge and has specific energy associated with it. The electrons in an atom revolve around its center, also known as the nucleus.

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