The shape of the sulphur hexafluoride molecule, SF6, is
Correct answer: B. octahedral
- A. tetrahedral
- B. octahedral
- C. trigonal bipyramidal
- D. square planar
Explanation
Six bond pairs around the central sulphur arrange themselves at 90 degrees to one another at the corners of an octahedron. This requires sulphur to expand its octet using d orbitals, which is possible from period 3 onwards but never for carbon, nitrogen or oxygen. Phosphorus pentachloride, with five pairs, is trigonal bipyramidal by the same reasoning.
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About VSEPR Theory
Valence shell electron pair repulsion theory predicts molecular shape by arranging bonding pairs and lone pairs around a central atom to minimize repulsion. Questions cover linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal and octahedral electron geometries, bond angles and distortions caused by lone pairs. Electron geometry is not always the same as molecular shape.
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