Question

Which among the following noble gases reacts with fluorine to give crystalline fluorides?

• A. Ne
• B. He
• C. Xe
• D. Ar

Hint:

Xenon is the most reactive noble gas due to its low ionization energy and large atomic size. It forms stable compounds with fluorine and oxygen.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand the question.
We must find which noble gas reacts with fluorine to form crystalline fluorides.
Step 2: Recall noble gas reactivity.
Noble gases are mostly unreactive because their outer shells are full. Only the heavier ones with larger, looser electron clouds can react.
Step 3: Check the small ones.
Helium, neon and argon are too stable and do not form normal fluorides under usual conditions.
Step 4: Look at xenon.
Xenon is large enough that its outer electrons can be pulled by strong fluorine. So xenon does react with fluorine.
Step 5: Name the products.
Xenon and fluorine give $XeF_2$, $XeF_4$ and $XeF_6$, which are all crystalline solids.
Step 6: Choose the answer.
The noble gas is xenon, which is option 3. \[ \boxed{\text{Xe}} \]