What is the molecular geometry of SF_4?

• A. Tetrahedral
• B. Trigonal bipyramidal
• C. See-saw
• D. Square planar

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Determine the Lewis structure of SF_4 by counting the total valence electrons. Sulfur (S) has 6 valence electrons, and each fluorine (F) has 7 valence electrons. Calculate the total number of valence electrons for SF_4.
2. Step 2: Draw the skeletal structure with sulfur as the central atom bonded to four fluorine atoms. Distribute the remaining electrons to satisfy the octet rule for fluorine atoms and place any leftover electrons on sulfur.
3. Step 3: Count the regions of electron density (bonding and lone pairs) around the central sulfur atom. This includes the four S-F bonds and any lone pairs on sulfur.
4. Step 4: Use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory to predict the electron geometry based on the total number of electron regions. For SF_4, this corresponds to a trigonal bipyramidal electron geometry.
5. Step 5: Determine the molecular geometry by considering the positions of the atoms only (ignoring lone pairs). With one lone pair on sulfur in a trigonal bipyramidal arrangement, the molecular geometry is 'see-saw'.