Among the following, an example of hypervalent species is a ) BF3. OEt...
Introduction:
In chemistry, hypervalent species are molecules or ions that contain main-group elements with more than eight valence electrons in their outermost shell. This violates the octet rule, which states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons in order to achieve a stable electron configuration with eight valence electrons. Hypervalent species have been observed in certain compounds, particularly those containing elements from the third period and beyond.
Explanation:
Among the options provided, the example of a hypervalent species is SF4 (option b).
SF4:
SF4 is a molecule that consists of one sulfur atom (S) bonded to four fluorine atoms (F). In its ground state, sulfur has six valence electrons, while fluorine has seven valence electrons. Therefore, the initial electron distribution would have a total of 6 + 4(7) = 34 valence electrons.
Expanding the Octet:
In SF4, sulfur can expand its valence shell to accommodate more than eight electrons. This is possible because sulfur belongs to the third period of the periodic table and can access the d-orbitals in its valence shell. By promoting one of its electrons from the 3p orbital to the empty 3d orbital, sulfur can accommodate ten electrons in its outer shell.
Electron Distribution:
In SF4, the electron distribution can be represented as follows:
- The sulfur atom has two lone pairs of electrons and forms single bonds with each of the four fluorine atoms.
- Each fluorine atom contributes one electron to form a covalent bond with sulfur.
Overall Structure:
The resulting molecular structure of SF4 is trigonal bipyramidal, with the sulfur atom at the center and the four fluorine atoms surrounding it. The two lone pairs of electrons are located in two of the equatorial positions, while the four fluorine atoms occupy the other four positions.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, SF4 is an example of a hypervalent species because the sulfur atom in SF4 can accommodate more than eight electrons in its valence shell by promoting one of its electrons to the empty d-orbital. This violates the octet rule but is allowed due to the expanded valence shell of the sulfur atom.