Chemistry Exam  >  Chemistry Questions  >  Compare the basic properties of SCl4, SeCl4 a... Start Learning for Free
Compare the basic properties of SCl4, SeCl4 and TeCl4?
Most Upvoted Answer
Compare the basic properties of SCl4, SeCl4 and TeCl4?
Basic Properties of SCl4, SeCl4, and TeCl4

1. Molecular Structure:
- SCl4: Sulfur tetrachloride has a trigonal bipyramidal molecular structure. It consists of a central sulfur atom bonded to four chlorine atoms and one lone pair of electrons.
- SeCl4: Selenium tetrachloride also has a trigonal bipyramidal molecular structure. It contains a central selenium atom bonded to four chlorine atoms and one lone pair of electrons.
- TeCl4: Tellurium tetrachloride has a distorted tetrahedral molecular structure. It consists of a central tellurium atom bonded to four chlorine atoms.

2. Bonding:
- In all three compounds, the central atom forms covalent bonds with the surrounding chlorine atoms.
- The bonding in SCl4 and SeCl4 involves hybrid orbitals, while in TeCl4, the bonding occurs through the overlap of pure atomic orbitals.

3. Polarity:
- SCl4 and SeCl4 are nonpolar molecules because the dipole moments of the individual bonds cancel each other out due to the symmetrical arrangement of the chlorine atoms around the central atom.
- TeCl4 is a polar molecule due to its distorted tetrahedral structure, which leads to an uneven distribution of charge.

4. Melting and Boiling Points:
- The melting and boiling points generally increase down the group from SCl4 to SeCl4 to TeCl4.
- This trend can be attributed to the increasing size of the central atom and the corresponding increase in London dispersion forces between the molecules.

5. Reactivity:
- SCl4 is a highly reactive compound and can act as a strong chlorinating agent.
- SeCl4 is less reactive compared to SCl4 but can still react with various organic and inorganic compounds.
- TeCl4 is the least reactive among the three compounds.

6. Color:
- SCl4 is a colorless liquid.
- SeCl4 is a pale yellow liquid.
- TeCl4 is a dark red-brown solid.

7. Solubility:
- SCl4 and SeCl4 are soluble in nonpolar solvents like benzene and carbon tetrachloride.
- TeCl4 is sparingly soluble in water but dissolves in organic solvents.

Overall, SCl4, SeCl4, and TeCl4 exhibit different properties due to variations in their molecular structures and the nature of the central
Community Answer
Compare the basic properties of SCl4, SeCl4 and TeCl4?
Basic Properties of SCl4, SeCl4, and TeCl4

Introduction:
SCl4, SeCl4, and TeCl4 are all compounds that belong to the group of interhalogen compounds. These compounds are formed between halogens and halides, where the halides act as the more electronegative elements. In this case, chlorine (Cl) is the halogen, and sulfur (S), selenium (Se), and tellurium (Te) are the halides.

1. Molecular Structure:
- SCl4: Sulfur tetrachloride (SCl4) has a trigonal bipyramidal molecular structure. The central sulfur atom is bonded to four chlorine atoms in a plane, forming a square planar arrangement, and there are two additional chlorine atoms located above and below the plane.
- SeCl4: Selenium tetrachloride (SeCl4) also has a trigonal bipyramidal molecular structure similar to SCl4. The central selenium atom is bonded to four chlorine atoms in a plane, with two more chlorine atoms positioned above and below the plane.
- TeCl4: Tellurium tetrachloride (TeCl4) has a distorted octahedral molecular structure. The central tellurium atom is bonded to four chlorine atoms in a square planar arrangement, and there are two additional chlorine atoms located at axial positions.

2. Bonding:
- SCl4: Sulfur tetrachloride primarily exhibits covalent bonding, where electrons are shared between the sulfur and chlorine atoms. The electronegativity difference between sulfur and chlorine is relatively small, resulting in a polar covalent bond.
- SeCl4: Selenium tetrachloride also exhibits covalent bonding, similar to SCl4. The electronegativity difference between selenium and chlorine is larger than that of sulfur and chlorine, resulting in a more polar covalent bond.
- TeCl4: Tellurium tetrachloride exhibits both covalent and ionic bonding. The electronegativity difference between tellurium and chlorine is significant, resulting in a more ionic character in the bond. The chlorine atoms partially accept electron density from the tellurium atom.

3. Physical Properties:
- SCl4: Sulfur tetrachloride is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. It has a relatively low boiling point of 140°C and a melting point of -59°C.
- SeCl4: Selenium tetrachloride is a yellowish liquid with a strong odor. It has a higher boiling point of 220°C and a melting point of -49°C compared to SCl4.
- TeCl4: Tellurium tetrachloride is a yellow solid with a pungent odor. It has a higher boiling point of 373°C and a melting point of 220°C compared to SCl4 and SeCl4.

4. Stability:
- SCl4: Sulfur tetrachloride is relatively stable under normal conditions but can decompose when exposed to heat or light.
- SeCl4: Selenium tetrachloride is also stable but can decompose when exposed to heat or light, similar to SCl4.
Explore Courses for Chemistry exam
Compare the basic properties of SCl4, SeCl4 and TeCl4?
Question Description
Compare the basic properties of SCl4, SeCl4 and TeCl4? for Chemistry 2025 is part of Chemistry preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Chemistry exam syllabus. Information about Compare the basic properties of SCl4, SeCl4 and TeCl4? covers all topics & solutions for Chemistry 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Compare the basic properties of SCl4, SeCl4 and TeCl4?.
Solutions for Compare the basic properties of SCl4, SeCl4 and TeCl4? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for Chemistry. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for Chemistry Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Compare the basic properties of SCl4, SeCl4 and TeCl4? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Compare the basic properties of SCl4, SeCl4 and TeCl4?, a detailed solution for Compare the basic properties of SCl4, SeCl4 and TeCl4? has been provided alongside types of Compare the basic properties of SCl4, SeCl4 and TeCl4? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Compare the basic properties of SCl4, SeCl4 and TeCl4? tests, examples and also practice Chemistry tests.
Explore Courses for Chemistry exam
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev