Write down the hybridization of central atom and shape of `SF_(4).`

Options

A. `sp^(3) d^(2)` , square planar
B. `sp^(3) d^(2)` , octahedral
C. `sp^(3)d` , see saw
D. `sp^(3) d` , trigonal bipyramidal

Answer

To determine the hybridization of the central atom and the shape of the molecule SF₄ (sulfur tetrafluoride), we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Central Atom:**
- In SF₄, the central atom is sulfur (S).

2. **Determine the Valence Electrons:**
- Sulfur is in group 16 of the periodic table and has 6 valence electrons.

3. **Count the Bonds and Lone Pairs:**
- In SF₄, sulfur forms 4 sigma bonds with 4 fluorine (F) atoms.
- Since sulfur has 6 valence electrons and uses 4 for bonding, it has 2 electrons left, which form 1 lone pair.

4. **Calculate the Steric Number:**
- The steric number is calculated as the number of sigma bonds plus the number of lone pairs.
- Here, there are 4 sigma bonds and 1 lone pair:
\[ \text{Steric Number} = 4 \text{ (bonds)} + 1 \text{ (lone pair)} = 5 \]

5. **Determine the Hybridization:**
- A steric number of 5 corresponds to an sp³d hybridization.

6. **Determine the Molecular Geometry:**
- With 4 bonding pairs and 1 lone pair, the molecular geometry is based on the arrangement of the bonding pairs.
- The shape of SF₄ is described as a "seesaw" shape, which is derived from the trigonal bipyramidal arrangement of the electron pairs.

### Final Answer:
- **Hybridization of Central Atom:** sp³d
- **Shape of SF₄:** Seesaw shape