Question

what is the molecular geometry of sf4?
a seesaw
b bent
c t - shaped
d linear
e trigonal bipyramidal
f trigonal pyramidal

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the electron - domain geometry

The central atom in \(SF_4\) is \(S\). The number of valence electrons of \(S\) is \(6\), and it forms \(4\) single bonds with \(F\) atoms. Using the formula for the number of electron - domains \(n=\frac{V + M - C}{2}\) (where \(V\) is the valence electrons of the central atom, \(M\) is the number of monovalent atoms, and \(C\) is the charge of the ion, here \(C = 0\)), \(n=\frac{6+4}{2}=5\). So the electron - domain geometry is trigonal bipyramidal.

Step2: Determine the molecular geometry

In \(SF_4\), there is \(1\) lone pair and \(4\) bonding pairs. According to VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory, when there is \(1\) lone pair in a trigonal bipyramidal electron - domain geometry, the molecular geometry is seesaw.

Answer:

a. Seesaw