Is XeF_4 (xenon tetrafluoride) an ionic compound?

• A. Yes, XeF_4 is an ionic compound.
• B. XeF_4 is a network solid.
• C. No, XeF_4 is a covalent compound.
• D. XeF_4 is a metallic compound.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the elements involved in XeF_4. Xenon (Xe) is a noble gas, and fluorine (F) is a highly electronegative nonmetal.
2. Step 2: Recall that ionic compounds typically form between metals and nonmetals, where electrons are transferred to form ions.
3. Step 3: Since xenon is a nonmetal and fluorine is also a nonmetal, the bonding between them is more likely to be covalent, involving the sharing of electrons.
4. Step 4: Consider the molecular structure of XeF_4, which is known to be a discrete molecule with covalent bonds rather than a lattice of ions, indicating it is not ionic or metallic.
5. Step 5: Conclude that XeF_4 is a covalent compound because it consists of covalently bonded atoms rather than ions or metallic bonding.