Question
Chemistry Question on Chemical bonding and molecular structure
Which of the following would have a permanent dipole moment?
A
BF3
B
SiF4
C
SF4
D
XeF4
Answer
SF4
Explanation
Solution
The dipole moments in BF3 cancel one another.
Because of sp3d hybridization, which produces a net dipole moment, SiF4 has a bent structure.
Due to the cancellation of dipole moments, SF4 has no net permanent dipole.
Because of its planar nature, XeF4 is not polar.
Therefore, it is evident from the findings above that SF4 contains a single pair in its outer shell. Four of the six electrons in the s subshell form a link with the F atom, leaving two electrons as lone pairs.
Therefore, the correct option is (C): SF4