Is XeF4 a Polar or Nonpolar Molecule?
The molecule XeF4, known as xenon tetrafluoride, is nonpolar. The molecular structure of xenon tetrafluoride is square planar, with six uniformly placed sp3d2 orbitals forming 90-degree angles.
In chemistry, polarity is defined as a physical property of matter relating to the unequal dispersion of partial charges between intermolecular atoms. A molecule is said to be polar when it has a dipole moment, creating partial positive and negative charges and forming unsymmetrical bonds. Meanwhile, a nonpolar molecule has a symmetrical molecular shape that neutralizes the partial opposite charges. In xenon tetrafluoride, the four fluorine atoms are bonded to the central xenon atom in such a way that a symmetrical square planar geometry is formed, making it nonpolar.
