EXAMPLE 4.3 Predicting a molecular shape
You can’t always guess a molecular shape from its chemical formula; even quite simple
molecules can have surprising shapes.
Predict the shape of a sulfur tetrafl uoride molecule, SF4.
ANTICIPATE You might guess that SF4 has a tetrahedral geometry. However, recall
from Section 3.10 that sulfur is capable of having an expanded valence shell. You need
to follow the steps in Toolbox 4.1 to predict the shape of SF4.
PLAN Use the procedure in Toolbox 4.1.
SOLVE
Step 1 Decide how many atoms and lone pairs are present on
the central atom by writing a Lewis structure for the molecule.
Because the central atom is the focus, there is no need to show
the lone pairs on the F atoms.
Step 2 Identify the electron arrangement around the central
atom, including lone pairs and atoms.
Each F atom should have three lone pairs of electrons, leaving
5 regions of high electron density (4 atoms and 1 lone pair) on
the S atom; so the arrangement is trigonal bipyramidal.
Step 3 Locate the atoms and identify the molecular shape.
AX4E.
To minimize electron-pair repulsions, the lone pair occupies an
equatorial location. SF4 has a seesaw shape.
Step 4 Allow the molecule to distort so that lone pairs are as
far from one another and from bonding pairs as possible.
The atoms move slightly away from the lone pair.
EVALUATE Because sulfur has an expanded valence shell, the molecular shape can be
predicted only by systematic application of the VSEPR rules. The slightly bent seesaw
shape shown is the one found experimentally.
Self-Test 4.4A Predict the shape of an I3
ion.