Hybridisation of SF₆
S is sp³d² hybridised (hybridization by the VSEPR count): 6 sigma bonds and no lone pairs give a octahedral shape, bond angle 90°.
Why this shape
- S has 6 valence electrons. It uses six in six single bonds to F, so none are left over.
- Steric number = six sigma bonds + no lone pairs = 6, so S is sp³d² hybridised.
- Six electron pairs point to the corners of an octahedron (octahedral electron geometry). With no lone pairs the atoms take the same shape: octahedral.
- All the bond pairs repel each other equally, so the angle is the ideal 90°.
- The bond dipoles cancel in the symmetric octahedral shape, so SF₆ is non-polar.
Lewis structure
48 valence electronsi
An expanded octet: S has 12 electrons around it.
Formal charges: none
Why this hybridisation and shape
- S has 6 valence electrons. It uses six in six single bonds to F, so none are left over.
- Steric number = six sigma bonds + no lone pairs = 6, so S is sp³d² hybridised.
- Six electron pairs point to the corners of an octahedron (octahedral electron geometry). With no lone pairs the atoms take the same shape: octahedral.
- All the bond pairs repel each other equally, so the angle is the ideal 90°.
- The bond dipoles cancel in the symmetric octahedral shape, so SF₆ is non-polar.
Class 11, Chapter 4 Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure.
Hybridisation of SF6: quick answers
What is the hybridisation of SF6?
S has 6 valence electrons. It uses six in six single bonds to F, so none are left over. Steric number = six sigma bonds + no lone pairs = 6, so S is sp³d² hybridised.
What is the shape of SF6 and its bond angle?
Octahedral, with a bond angle of 90 degrees. Six electron pairs point to the corners of an octahedron (octahedral electron geometry). With no lone pairs the atoms take the same shape: octahedral. All the bond pairs repel each other equally, so the angle is the ideal 90°.
Is SF6 polar or non-polar?
Non-polar. The bond dipoles cancel in the symmetric octahedral shape, so SF₆ is non-polar.