In `SF_4` molecule, the lone pair of electrons occupy equatorial position in preference to axial position, why ? Predict shape of the molecule?

Explanation

In equatorial position, the lone electron pair is experiencing repulsion from two shared pairs of electrons at right angle to it while in the axial position, it is repelled by three shared electron pairs at tight angle to it. In order to minimuse the replusion, the lone electron pair must be present in the equatorial position and not in the axial position.