SbF4 has 34 valence electrons

SbF4 has 34 valence electrons_ How many total electrons are in the Sb expanded outer shell?

The Correct Answer and Explanation is:

To determine the total number of electrons in the expanded outer shell of SbF4, we need to follow a few steps. Here’s the breakdown:

Step 1: Valence Electrons in SbF4

The compound SbF4 consists of an antimony (Sb) atom and four fluorine (F) atoms.

  • Antimony (Sb) is in Group 15 of the periodic table and typically has 5 valence electrons.
  • Fluorine (F) is in Group 17 and has 7 valence electrons. Since there are 4 fluorine atoms, the total number of valence electrons from fluorine is 7×4=287 \times 4 = 287×4=28.

So, the total number of valence electrons for SbF4 is:5 (from Sb)+28 (from F)=34 valence electrons.5 \, (\text{from Sb}) + 28 \, (\text{from F}) = 34 \, \text{valence electrons}.5(from Sb)+28(from F)=34valence electrons.

Step 2: Understanding the Expanded Outer Shell of Sb

The concept of an “expanded outer shell” refers to atoms that can accommodate more than 8 electrons in their outermost shell, typically elements in the third period or beyond. In this case, antimony (Sb) is in Period 5 and is capable of expanding its octet to accommodate more than 8 electrons in its valence shell.

To understand the total number of electrons in the expanded outer shell:

  • Antimony (Sb) forms bonds with the fluorine atoms, each using one electron for the bond. This gives 4 bonds.
  • In total, antimony uses 4 electrons from its 5 valence electrons to bond with the fluorine atoms, leaving it with 1 unbonded electron.

Since antimony is in Period 5, its d-orbitals can also be used to accommodate additional electrons. The total number of electrons in the expanded outer shell is therefore:

  • 5 valence electrons from Sb (1 from the lone electron and 4 from the bonds).
  • 28 electrons from the fluorine atoms (each F has 8 electrons in its valence shell, with 7 of these from fluorine itself and 1 from the bond with Sb).

Step 3: Final Answer

In conclusion, the total number of electrons in the expanded outer shell of SbF4 is:34 electrons.\boxed{34 \, \text{electrons}}.34electrons​.

These electrons are distributed between the antimony atom and the four fluorine atoms. The expanded outer shell of Sb includes electrons from both the bonding and lone electron, allowing Sb to exceed the typical octet.

Scroll to Top