Hybridization of SF4

Hybridization of SF4 is sp³d. In this hybridization, a total of five hybrid orbitals are formed. Sulfur tetrafluoride, or SF4 is a chemical compound made up of four fluorine atoms and one sulfur atom. It is a colorless compound that releases poisonous HF gas when reacts with water or moisture.

In this article, we will learn about the hybridization of SF4 and its geometry with a brief introduction to the SF4 molecule and the hybridization process.

Hybridization in chemistry is the process in which atomic orbitals combine to create hybrid orbitals that affect a compound’s molecular geometry and bonding characteristics.

Sulfur Tetraflouride(SF₄)

Sulfur Tetrafluoride is a gaseous compound that consists of one sulfur atom and is bonded to four fluorine atoms. It is a colorless compound and when reacts with water or moisture releases Hydrogen Fluoride gas. The molecular compound SF4 is well-known for its unique characteristics.

The important characteristics of SF4 are tabulated below:

Property	Description
Chemical Formula	SF4
Molecular Weight	108.06 g/mol
State at Room Temp	Gas
Color	Colorless
Odor	Pungent
Boiling Point	-38.3°C
Melting Point	-121.3°C
Solubility	Insoluble in water

Lewis Structure of SF4

The details of SF4 Lewis Structure is discussed below:

• Sulfur (S) is the atom at the center.
• Sulfur is bond to four fluorine (F) atoms.
• Lone pairs present on sulfur, affecting the molecular geometry.

What is Hybridization of Sulphur Tetrafluoride (SF₄)

Hybridization of SF4 is sp³d

In this hybridization, one s orbital, three p orbitals and one d orbital of third shell participate in creating five hybrid orbitals. In hybridization of SF4, sulphur is the central atom which is bonded to four flourine atoms. Sulfur has 6 valence electrons. These valence electrons are arranged in 3s² 3p⁴. Sulphur has empty 3d subshell. One of the electrons from 3p shifts to 3d thus making 3p half filled and more stabilized as per Huckel’s Rule.

Now there are one electron in 3s orbital, three electrons in 3p orbital and one electron in 3d orbital. It should be noted that only those orbitals participate in hybridization which has electrons of central atoms. Hence, the participating orbitals are one 3s orbitals, three 3p orbitals and one 3d orbitals thus total five hybrid orbitals are formed (1 + 3 + 1 = 5).

Geometry and Bond Angle in Hybridization of SF4

In SF4, Sulfur is the central atom which has 6 valence electrons. Four Flourine atoms bond with sulfur, thus out of six, four electron got bonded and a pair of electron is unbonded which is called lone pair of electron. These lone pair of electrons repel the bond pair of electrons with flourine thus distorting the angle from 120° to 102°. This affect the angle between axial flourine atoms which becomes 173° instead of 180°. Thus,

Structure of SF₄ is Trigonal Bipyramidal

Conclusion

In conclusion, sp³d hybrid orbitals play a role in the hybridization of SF4, which gives rise to its distinct molecular geometry. Bond angle deviations and bond length distortions are influenced by the existence of lone pairs. SF4’s seesaw geometry demonstrates how hybridization affects molecular structures.

Aspect	Key Points
Hybridization	sp3d hybridization of sulfur in SF4
Bond Length Distortion	Occurs due to lone pair interactions
Bond Angle and Geometry	Seesaw molecular geometry with angle deviations
Molecular Geometry	Trigonal Bypramidal
Bond Angle	102°
Equitorial Angle	173°
Number of Hybrid Orbitals Formed	5

Hybridization of SF₄ – FAQs

1. What is the Hybridization of SF₄?

The Hybridization of SF₄ is sp³d.

2. How many Hybrid Orbitals are formed during Hybridization of SF₄?

There are total 5 hybrid orbitals formed in SF4.

3. What is the Geometry of SF₄?

Geometry of SF4 is Pentagonal Bipyramidal.

4. Is SF₄ Polar or Nonpolar?

SF4 is a polar particle because of the difference between electronegativity of the sulfur and fluorine

5. Is SF₄ soluble in Water?

SF4 reacts with water to release highly toxic HF gas.

6. Is SF₄ Molecular or Ionic?

SF4 is a molecular compound.