What is the formula for sulfur tetrachloride? Select one: 3 SCl4 b.SCI4 Heer Ee C 54CI 0 SCl4
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct formula for sulfur tetrachloride is SCl₄.
Sulfur tetrachloride is a compound formed between sulfur (S) and chlorine (Cl). To determine its correct formula, we must consider both the naming convention and the chemical behavior of sulfur and chlorine.
The name “sulfur tetrachloride” directly indicates the composition: “tetra” means four, so the molecule contains one sulfur atom bonded to four chlorine atoms. This leads to the molecular formula SCl₄.
Sulfur, a Group 16 element, has six valence electrons. To achieve a more stable configuration, sulfur can expand its valence shell and form more than two bonds. In this case, it forms four covalent bonds with four chlorine atoms. Each chlorine atom, from Group 17, needs one electron to complete its octet. When sulfur shares one electron with each chlorine atom, all participants reach stable electron configurations.
SCl₄ has a seesaw molecular geometry, as predicted by VSEPR theory. This is because sulfur in this compound adopts a trigonal bipyramidal electron pair geometry with one of the five positions occupied by a lone pair of electrons. That lone pair causes a distortion, resulting in the seesaw shape.
SCl₄ is a colorless liquid at room temperature. However, it is quite unstable and decomposes in the presence of moisture, producing sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and hydrogen chloride (HCl). Its reactivity requires careful handling under dry conditions.
To eliminate the incorrect options:
- S₂Cl₈ would be disulfur octachloride
- SCl is sulfur monochloride
- S₄Cl is not a standard compound Only SCl₄ aligns with the name sulfur tetrachloride and follows correct valency rules.
