Q.13 The hybridization of atomic orbitals of sulphur in SF4 is:
(D) sp3
Correct Answer
✅ (C) sp³d
Step-by-Step Explanation
1. Electronic Configuration of Sulphur
Sulphur (S) has atomic number 16.
Ground state electronic configuration:
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁴
Sulphur has 6 valence electrons.
2. Bonding in SF₄
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Sulphur forms 4 σ-bonds with four fluorine atoms.
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It also has 1 lone pair of electrons.
So, total electron regions around sulphur:
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4 bond pairs
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1 lone pair
Total = 5 electron domains
3. Hybridization Calculation
Hybridization depends on the number of electron domains:
| Electron Domains | Hybridization |
|---|---|
| 2 | sp |
| 3 | sp² |
| 4 | sp³ |
| 5 | sp³d |
| 6 | sp³d² |
Since SF₄ has 5 electron domains, the hybridization is:
sp³d
4. Geometry of SF₄
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Electron geometry: Trigonal bipyramidal
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Molecular shape: Seesaw (due to one lone pair)
Explanation of All Options
Option (A): dsp²
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dsp² corresponds to square planar geometry.
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Requires 4 electron domains, not 5.
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Not suitable for SF₄.
Option (B): sp³d²
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sp³d² corresponds to octahedral geometry.
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Requires 6 electron domains.
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SF₄ has only 5 electron domains.
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Incorrect.
Option (C): sp³d (Correct)
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Matches 5 electron domains.
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Explains trigonal bipyramidal electron geometry.
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Accounts for 4 bonds + 1 lone pair.
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Correct answer.
Option (D): sp³
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sp³ corresponds to tetrahedral geometry.
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Requires 4 electron domains.
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SF₄ has 5 electron domains.
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Incorrect.
Final Conclusion
The sulphur atom in SF₄ undergoes sp³d hybridization to accommodate four bonding pairs and one lone pair, resulting in a seesaw-shaped molecule.
