Work out the shape of an SF6 molecule

To work out the shape of the SF6 molecule we can use a simple equation which allows us to work out the number of electron pairs. The equation is (old group + electrons donated +/- charge) / 2. If the charge is positive then take it away and if it is negative then add it on. So for SF6, the molecule is in group 6, each Fluorine atom donates one electron so 6 electrons donated in total, there is no charge so nothing to add or take away. So the number of electron pairs is (6 + 6 + 0) / 2 = 6 electron pairs. There are no double bonds or lone pairs to worry about so the shape is based on an octahedron, so the observed shape of the molecule is octahedral. All the angles in the molecule are 90 degrees.

MW
Answered by Maciej W. Chemistry tutor

2809 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the trend in reactivity of group 2 elements with water as you go down the group.


Why does the atomic radius decrease as you move along a period.


What do the arrows in mechanisms represent?


What is enthalpy?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences