Question

The ground state electronic configuration of $S$ is $3s^2 3p^4$. How does it form the compound $SF_6$?

• A. Due to octahedral shape of $S$ atoms
• B. Due to presence of vacant $3d$ -orbitals which provide $6$ unpaired electrons in excited state
• C. Due to $sp^3$ hybridisation of $S$ atom which provides $6 $ electrons to $6 F$ atoms
• D. Due to presence of $3$ sigma and $3$ pi bonds between $S$ and $F$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$S$ can go into excited state with $6$ unpaired electrons due to presence of vacant $3d$ - orbitals, which are overlapped by six $F$ electrons.