For each of the following molecules, draw a Lewis structure

The Correct Answer and Explanation is:

Let’s analyze each compound one by one with Lewis structures, molecular geometry, bond angles, hybridization, and polarity.


a. SF₄

  • Lewis Structure: S is central with 4 single bonds to F and 1 lone pair.
  • Electron Groups: 5 (4 bonding + 1 lone pair)
  • Geometry: Seesaw
  • Bond Angles: Approximately 102° (equatorial) and 173° (axial)
  • Hybridization: sp³d
  • Polarity: Polar (asymmetrical shape causes dipole moment)

b. AlCl₄⁻

  • Lewis Structure: Al is central with 4 single bonds to Cl; gains one electron to complete octet
  • Electron Groups: 4 (no lone pairs)
  • Geometry: Tetrahedral
  • Bond Angles: 109.5°
  • Hybridization: sp³
  • Polarity: Nonpolar (symmetrical charge distribution)

c. SF₆

  • Lewis Structure: S is central with 6 single bonds to F
  • Electron Groups: 6 (no lone pairs)
  • Geometry: Octahedral
  • Bond Angles: 90°
  • Hybridization: sp³d²
  • Polarity: Nonpolar (symmetrical)

d. POCl₃

  • Lewis Structure: P is central with double bond to O and single bonds to 3 Cl
  • Electron Groups: 4 (no lone pairs)
  • Geometry: Tetrahedral
  • Bond Angles: 109.5°
  • Hybridization: sp³
  • Polarity: Polar (due to differing atoms and dipole moments)

e. SOCl₂

  • Lewis Structure: S is central, double bond to O, single bonds to 2 Cl, and 1 lone pair
  • Electron Groups: 4 (3 bonding + 1 lone pair)
  • Geometry: Trigonal pyramidal
  • Bond Angles: Around 107°
  • Hybridization: sp³
  • Polarity: Polar

f. IBr₂⁺

  • Lewis Structure: I is central with 2 single bonds to Br and 2 lone pairs
  • Electron Groups: 4 (2 bonding + 2 lone pairs)
  • Geometry: Bent
  • Bond Angles: Less than 109.5°
  • Hybridization: sp³
  • Polarity: Polar

g. IF₅

  • Lewis Structure: I is central with 5 single bonds to F and 1 lone pair
  • Electron Groups: 6 (5 bonding + 1 lone pair)
  • Geometry: Square pyramidal
  • Bond Angles: 90° and <90°
  • Hybridization: sp³d²
  • Polarity: Polar

Each structure involves determining electron domains, geometry, and molecular symmetry to predict polarity and hybridization accurately.

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