QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
"Determine the molecular geometry for SF₄.
A. Square pyramidal
B. Trigonal bipyramidal
C. Seesaw
D. Square planar
E. T-shape"
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Answer
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Step 1:: Determine the number of electron groups around the central atom (Sulfur).
The Lewis structure of SF₄ shows that Sulfur has 6 valence electrons and each Fluorine atom contributes 7 valence electrons, making a total of 4 x 7 + 6 = 34 valence electrons. Since Sulfur is the central atom, it forms 4 single bonds with Fluorine atoms, and these 4 electron groups are distributed around the central atom.
Step 2:: Determine the molecular geometry using the electron group arrangement.
For a central atom with 4 electron groups, the possible molecular geometries are: - Square planar (if all 4 electron groups are in a single plane) - Tetrahedral (if all 4 electron groups are equivalent) - Seesaw (if there are 3 equivalent electron groups and one different) - Trigonal bipyramidal (if there are 3 electron groups in one plane and 2 in another) - Square pyramidal (if there are 4 electron groups in one plane and one above or below)
Step 3:: Identify the electron group arrangement for SF₄.
In SF₄, there are 4 electron groups around the central Sulfur atom, and one of these groups is a lone pair. Since lone pairs occupy more space than bonding pairs, the arrangement of these electron groups is not planar, and the molecule cannot be square planar.
Final Answer
The molecular geometry for SF₄ is Square pyramidal (B).
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