Question

$S{F_6}$ is known but $SC{l_6}$ is not. Why?

Answer 1

In order to answer the question, let us first understand about the characteristics of Chlorine and fluorine separately and then compare them to see why $S{F_6}$ is known while $SC{l_6}$ is not known.

Complete Solution :
- Let us understand about the characteristics of Fluorine and chlorine separately. First is the Fluorine. Fluorine is the chemical element which belongs to the family of Halogen. Fluorine will be having an atomic number of Z = 9. The electronic configuration of the Fluorine atom is given as $1{s^2}2{s^2}2{p^5}$. It belongs to the p- block element and the number of valence electrons in Fluorine is 7. Fluorine is a very poisonous gas.
- Now let us move onto the Chlorine atom. Chlorine is the second element of the halogen family with an atomic number of Z = 17. It will have an electronic configuration of $1{s^2}2{s^2}2{p^6}3{s^2}3{p^5}$ and the number of valence electrons is 7.
- When we compare Chlorine and Fluorine atoms, we can see that the size of Fluorine is smaller than the Chlorine atom. The six Fluorine atom due to its smaller size can easily accommodate around the Sulphur atom. But Chlorine being larger in size when surrounded around the Sulphur atom can experience repulsion between its six Chlorine atoms. Therefore, this is the reason for $S{F_6}$ to be known while $SC{l_6}$ is not known. So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Note: Let us now see what are the different uses of the Fluorine and Chlorine.
Uses of fluorine are given below:
- CFCs are used in the refrigerator and air conditioners.
- Fluorine is used in optoelectric nuclear batteries.
- It is added in the toothpastes and it will prevent dental cavities.

Uses of Chlorine are given below:
- Chlorine can be used as a disinfectant.
- Chlorine can be used as an antiseptic.
- Chlorine is used in the manufacture of dyes and plastics.