CHEMISTRY · Single correct · AP · Chemistry · Compound Structure and Properties · Compound Structure and Properties
Problem
In the favored Lewis structure for SF₄, the sulfur atom is surrounded by ten electrons. Which of the following best explains why this arrangement is possible?
(a) Because sulfur is less electronegative than fluorine, it can attract additional electron density, so it naturally exceeds the octet rule.
(b) Sulfur has accessible 3d orbitals that can participate in bonding, allowing more than four electron pairs to be accommodated.
(c) Fluorine donates one of its lone pairs to sulfur as a coordinate covalent bond, giving the central atom ten electrons.
(d) Single S–F bonds are longer and create less electron repulsion than double bonds would, so using only single bonds forces sulfur to hold extra electron pairs and expand its octet.