QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Draw the Lewis structure for sulfur tetrafluoride, SF^4.
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this Lewis structure problem step by step, following the specified formatting guidelines:
Step 2:: Determine the total number of valence electrons
\text{Total valence electrons} = 6 + (7 \times 4) = 6 + 28 = 34
- Sulfur (S): 6 valence electrons - Fluorine (F): 7 valence electrons × 4 fluorine atoms
Step 3:: Identify the central atom
- Sulfur (S) will be the central atom due to its lower electronegativity compared to fluorine
Step 4:: Arrange atoms and connect with single bonds
\text{Remaining electrons} = 34 - 8 = 26
- Place sulfur in the center - Connect each fluorine atom to sulfur with a single bond
Step 5:: Distribute remaining electrons as lone pairs
\text{Remaining electrons} = 26 - 12 = 14
- Place lone pairs on fluorine atoms first (to complete their octets) - Each fluorine needs 3 lone pairs
Step 6:: Place remaining electrons on central sulfur
- Add 2 lone pairs to the sulfur atom - This completes the Lewis structure
Final Answer
The Lewis structure for SF^4 consists of: - Sulfur in the center - Four single bonds to fluorine atoms - Three lone pairs on each fluorine atom - Two lone pairs on the central sulfur atom Note: This structure shows SF^4 has an expanded octet for sulfur, which is possible for elements in period 3 and below.
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