Polar Molecule

Resolved Question
Which of the following molecules may be polar: S03, XeF4, S F4 1 day ago

by joeyeehu...

Contributing In:
Chemistry

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
First, calculate the number of electrons around the central atom. You can use the Group number in the Periodic Table to help you.

Next, determine the number of electron pair around the central atom and state the geometrical arrangement of electron pairs.

2 pairs - linear
3 pairs - trigonal planar
4 pairs - tetrahedral
5 pairs - trigonal bipyramidal
6 pairs - octahedral

Determine the number of bond pairs and lone pairs.
Determine the shape of the molecule.

1) SO3

S--> 6
O---> 3(2) = 6
total 12 electrons = 6 electron pairs

sulphur forms three double bonds with three oxygen.
The shape is trigonal planar. (non polar)

2) XeF4

Xe - 8e
4F - 4e
Total = 12 e = 6 pairs
Basic electron pair arrangement is octahedral
4 bond pair and 2 lone pair
The shape is square planar (non polar)

3) SF4

S = 6e
F = 4e
Total =10e = 5 electron pairs
Basic electron pair arrangement = trigonal bipyramidal
4 bond pair and 1 lone pair
The shape is irregular or see-saw shaped (polar)