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Using VBT theory describe the shape of XeO4.

Answer
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Hint: VBT is the valence bond theory. The theory defines the electronic structures of atoms or molecules. The valence bond theory explains that the electrons fill the atomic orbitals. Also, valence bond theory explains that the nucleus of one molecule is attracted to the electrons of another molecule.

Complete step by step answer:
The postulates of valence bond theory are as follows:
1.When two valence half-filled orbitals belonging to two different atoms overlap each other covalent bonds are formed. Overlapping increases the electron density in the area between the two bonding atoms. Thus, the stability of the molecule increases.
2.The atom can form multiple bonds with other atoms due to the presence of many unpaired electrons. The paired electrons do not participate in bonding.
3.The covalent bonds formed are directional and parallel to the overlapping atomic orbitals.
4.The pi bonds are formed by sidewise overlapping of the atomic orbitals and the sigma bonds are formed by the axial overlapping of the atomic orbitals.
We will now describe the shape of XeO4.
-The central atom is xenon. Four oxygen atoms are bonded to the xenon atom. Thus, the coordination number of xenon is four.
-Thus, the shape of XeO4 can be tetrahedral or square planar.
-In the formation of XeO4, xenon undergoes sp3 hybridisation in its fourth excited state. Xenon has eight unpaired electrons in its fourth excited state.
-One s-orbital and three p-orbitals overlap to form the sp3 hybrid orbitals. It has no unpaired electrons.
-Thus, the shape of XeO4 is tetrahedral. XeO4 has four sigma bonds and four pi bonds. The bond angle is 109.

Note:
The coordination number of xenon is four. If the hybridisation was dsp2 then the shape of XeO4 would have been square planar. But as the hybridisation is sp3 the shape is tetrahedral.
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