Electronic Configuration of SnCl4

The electronic configuration of Sn (tin) is [Kr] 5s2 4d10 5p2. When tin combines with four chlorine atoms (Cl), it forms SnCl4. In order to understand why SnCl4 is considered to have empty d orbitals, let's take a closer look at the electronic configuration and bonding of SnCl4.

Bonding in SnCl4

In SnCl4, tin forms covalent bonds with each chlorine atom. The tin atom donates one electron from its 5s orbital and one electron from its 5p orbital to each chlorine atom, resulting in the formation of four covalent bonds. After the bonding, the electronic configuration of tin in SnCl4 can be represented as [Kr] 5s2 4d10.

Valence Electrons and Orbital Hybridization

Valence electrons are the outermost electrons involved in bonding. In the case of tin, the valence electrons are the 5s and 5p electrons. However, during bonding, these valence electrons participate in hybridization.

In SnCl4, tin undergoes sp3 hybridization, where one 5s orbital and three 5p orbitals combine to form four sp3 hybrid orbitals. These hybrid orbitals are used for bonding with the chlorine atoms. The fourth 5p orbital remains unhybridized and empty.

Empty d Orbital in SnCl4

The empty d orbital in SnCl4 refers to the unhybridized 4d orbitals of tin. Even though the electronic configuration of tin in SnCl4 is [Kr] 5s2 4d10, the 4d orbitals are already filled with electrons. However, these 4d electrons are not involved in bonding.

The bonding in SnCl4 occurs through the hybrid orbitals (sp3 orbitals) formed by the hybridization of the 5s and 5p orbitals. The 5s and 5p electrons are used to form covalent bonds with the chlorine atoms, while the 4d orbitals remain unhybridized and uninvolved in bonding. Therefore, we can say that SnCl4 has empty d orbitals.

Conclusion

In summary, the electronic configuration of SnCl4 is [Kr] 5s2 4d10, indicating that the 4d orbitals of tin are already filled. However, during bonding, tin undergoes sp3 hybridization, forming four sp3 hybrid orbitals for bonding with the chlorine atoms. The 4d orbitals remain unhybridized and empty, making SnCl4 have empty d orbitals.

Who says it has empty d orbitals , it is making bonds with p-orbital and it has four p orbital to make sufficient bonds.