What is the hybridization of the central atom (sulfur) in SF_4?

• A. sp^3d^2
• B. sp^3
• C. sp^3d
• D. sp^2

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the central atom in SF_4, which is sulfur (S).
2. Determine the number of valence electrons on sulfur. Sulfur is in group 16, so it has 6 valence electrons.
3. Count the number of atoms bonded to sulfur and any lone pairs on sulfur. SF_4 has 4 fluorine atoms bonded to sulfur and 1 lone pair on sulfur.
4. Calculate the steric number, which is the sum of bonded atoms and lone pairs around sulfur: 4 (bonded atoms) + 1 (lone pair) = 5.
5. Use the steric number to determine hybridization. A steric number of 5 corresponds to sp\^3d hybridization.