AIIMS 2019 Chemistry VSEPR Theory MCQ Question

In the molecule XeO₃, the central atom xenon (Xe) has three oxygen (O) atoms bonded to it, utilizing three of its valence electrons, while one lone pair remains on the xenon atom. This results in a total of one lone pair at the central atom. In contrast, XeO₂F₂ has two lone pairs, XeO₄ has zero lone pairs, and XeO₃F₂ has one lone pair, making option A (2 lone pairs) incorrect for these compounds. Therefore, the only compound with two lone pairs at the central atom is Ba₂XeF₄, where xenon is surrounded by four fluorine atoms and no lone pairs remain.