Question

Question: Predict the arrangement of the atoms about the sulfur atom in ${\mathbf{\text{F}}}_{\mathbf{\text{4}}}\mathbf{\text{SPO}}$, assuming that double-bonded atoms require more space than single-bonded atoms.

Short answer

The arrangement of the atoms about the sulfur atom in the given molecule goes as;

Step-by-step solution

The VSEPR theory.

The VSEPR theory or the valence shell electron pair repulsion theory is helpful in predicting the 3D molecular geometry of different valence shell electron bond pairs present in each atom of a molecule or ion.

The arrangement of the atoms about the sulfur atom.

The S-atom is present in the oxygen group of the periodic table, and therefore it has 6 valence electrons.

Out of the 4 F-atoms in ${\text{F}}_{\text{4}}\text{SPO}$, 3 F-atoms form a bond with sulfur and one with oxygen.

The oxygen atom is positively charged as it forms three bonds.

The geometry and the shape.

The hybridization of sulfur in the given molecule is ${\text{sp}}^{\text{3}}\text{d}$. Its geometry is Trigonal bipyramidal, and the shape is see-saw because of one lone pair.

One lone pair on P-atom with hybridization of${\text{sp}}^2$ shows a little bent nature.