What is molecular point group of XeOF4?

Answer 1

I think you mean the Schoenflies symmetry point group, and that can be determined by the geometry of XeOF4.

Based on the Lewis structure, the Oxygen is double bonded to Xe pointing up (z-direction), the Fluorine atoms are single bonded to Xe in a square formation along the x and y planes, and there is a lone pair of electrons pointing down (negative z-direction). This leads to AB5E1, or Square Pyramidal.

To determine the symmetry group, ask yourself the following questions where if the answer is no, move onto the next question:

1. Is this a molecule with low symmetry? (C1, Ci, Cs)

No.

2. Is this a molecule with high symmetry? (Td, Oh, CinfinityV, Dinfinityh, Ih)

No.

3. What is the highest-order rotation axis?

Looking down on the top of the molecule, (z-axis), you have a C4 rotation axis.

4. Is there a perpendicular C2 axis to the main rotation axis?

No.

[A no here lets you know that it is either a C or Sn group, whereas a yes leads to the D groups]

5. Is there a horizontal mirror plane?

No.

6. Is there a vertical mirror plane?

Yes, so the symmetry group is C4V

Hope this helps!

-Doc

Answer 2

C4V