Questions: Which compound has 10 electrons counted towards the octet rule around its central atom? Select the correct answer below: CH₄ SF₄ BeCl₂ CO₂

CH\(_4\): Carbon has four valence electrons and forms four single bonds with hydrogen, resulting in a total of eight electrons around carbon, satisfying the octet rule.
SF\(_4\): Sulfur has six valence electrons and forms four single bonds with fluorine. In this case, sulfur can have an expanded octet, accommodating 10 electrons (four bonds and one lone pair).
BeCl\(_2\): Beryllium has two valence electrons and forms two single bonds with chlorine, resulting in only four electrons around beryllium, not satisfying the octet rule.
CO\(_2\): Carbon forms two double bonds with oxygen, resulting in eight electrons around carbon, satisfying the octet rule.

Which compound has 10 electrons counted towards the octet rule around its central atom?

Select the correct answer below:
CH₄
SF₄
BeCl₂
CO₂

Transcript text: Which compound has 10 electrons counted towards the octet rule around its central atom? Select the correct answer below: $\mathrm{CH}_{4}$ $\mathrm{SF}_{4}$ $\mathrm{BeCl}_{2}$ $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Understanding the Octet Rule

The octet rule states that atoms tend to form compounds in ways that give them eight valence electrons, resembling the electron configuration of a noble gas. However, some elements can have expanded octets, meaning they can have more than eight electrons around them.

Step 2: Analyzing Each Compound

CH$_4$: Carbon has four valence electrons and forms four single bonds with hydrogen, resulting in a total of eight electrons around carbon, satisfying the octet rule.
SF$_4$: Sulfur has six valence electrons and forms four single bonds with fluorine. In this case, sulfur can have an expanded octet, accommodating 10 electrons (four bonds and one lone pair).
BeCl$_2$: Beryllium has two valence electrons and forms two single bonds with chlorine, resulting in only four electrons around beryllium, not satisfying the octet rule.
CO$_2$: Carbon forms two double bonds with oxygen, resulting in eight electrons around carbon, satisfying the octet rule.

Step 3: Identifying the Compound with 10 Electrons

From the analysis, SF$_4$ is the compound where the central atom (sulfur) has 10 electrons around it due to its ability to have an expanded octet.