Question

Which of the following statements is incorrect about xenon trioxide?
(A)It can be prepared by hydrolysis of $Xe{F_4}$
(B)It can be prepared by hydrolysis of $Xe{F_6}$
(C)It is a non volatile solid
(D)It’s aqueous is slightly basic

Answer 1

Hint :Xenon trioxide is a compound of the element xenon. In this compound, the oxidation state of xenon is $ + 6$. It is unstable in nature. Xenon trioxide acts as a powerful oxidizing agent. The chemical formula of xenon trioxide is $Xe{O_3}$. It is colourless and is a crystalline solid. If xenon trioxide comes into contact with any organic material, it becomes dangerously explosive.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
The structure of xenon trioxide is as shown below:

Xenon trioxide is trigonal pyramidal in shape. This is due to the presence of lone pairs. Xenon trioxide also violates the octet rule as it is present in the fifth row of the periodic table. When this compound is in water, it liberates oxygen slowly. Xenon trioxide is a non-volatile solid. It’s aqueous is not basic. If $Xe{F_6}$ undergoes complete hydrolysis, it produces xenon trioxide. The reaction is given below:
$Xe{F_6} + 3{H_2}O \to Xe{O_3} + 6HF$
If $Xe{F_4}$undergoes hydrolysis in the presence of excess of water, it produces xenon trioxide. The hydrolysis reaction is given below:
$3Xe{F_4} + 6{H_2}O \to 2Xe + Xe{O_3} + 12HF + \dfrac{3}{2}{O_2}$
From the above reactions, we can say that xenon trioxide can be prepared by hydrolysis of $Xe{F_4}$ and $Xe{F_6}$. And also, xenon trioxide is a non-volatile solid.

Therefore, Option D is the correct answer.

Note :
Xenon trioxide explodes on heating. So, xenon trioxide should be handled very carefully. Xenon trioxide is stable in dry air. But if it comes in contact with humid air, it absorbs water and forms a concentrated solution. The crystal structure of xenon trioxide is orthorhombic.