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QuestionChemistry

Draw the electron pair geometry for sulfur tetrafluoride, SF^4. What is the name of the molecular shape of sulfur tetrafluoride?
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this step by step using VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory:

Step 2:
: Determine the number of valence electrons

- Total valence electrons: $$6 + (7 \times 4) = 34$$ electrons
- Sulfur (S): 6 valence electrons - Fluorine (F): 7 valence electrons × 4 = 28 valence electrons

Step 3:
: Draw the Lewis structure

- Central sulfur atom - Four fluorine atoms bonded to sulfur - Remaining electrons form lone pairs on sulfur

Step 4:
: Count electron domains around the central sulfur atom

- 4 bonding domains (S-F bonds) - 1 lone pair on sulfur - Total electron domains: 5

Step 5:
: Determine electron pair geometry

\text{Electron Pair Geometry: Trigonal Bipyramidal}
- 5 electron domains - Electron pair geometry is trigonal bipyramidal

Step 6:
: Determine molecular shape

- 1 lone pair occupies an equatorial position - 4 fluorine atoms occupy remaining positions - Molecular shape is see-saw

Final Answer

- Electron Pair Geometry: Trigonal Bipyramidal - Molecular Shape: See-saw