Questions: SF₆ has a geometric structure. - tetrahedral - octahedral - trigonal planar - linear

Transcript text: $\mathrm{SF}_{6}$ has a $\qquad$ geometric structure. tetrahedral octahedral trigonal planar linear

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Identify the molecular geometry of $\mathrm{SF}_{6}$

To determine the geometric structure of $\mathrm{SF}_{6}$, we need to consider the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs around the central atom (sulfur, S).

Step 2: Determine the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs

Sulfur hexafluoride ($\mathrm{SF}_{6}$) consists of one sulfur atom bonded to six fluorine atoms. Sulfur has 6 valence electrons, and each fluorine atom has 7 valence electrons. In $\mathrm{SF}_{6}$, all six valence electrons of sulfur are used to form six single bonds with fluorine atoms, resulting in no lone pairs on the sulfur atom.

Step 3: Determine the molecular geometry based on bonding pairs

With six bonding pairs and no lone pairs, the electron pair geometry around the sulfur atom is octahedral. This arrangement minimizes electron pair repulsion according to the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory.