Question

The hybridisation state of S in SF₆ is ______.

Options

• sp³d

• sp³d²

• d²sp³

• sp³d³

Answer 1

The hybridisation state of S in SF₆ is sp³d².

Explanation:

In SF₆, sulphur forms six bonds with fluorine atoms. To accommodate six bonding pairs, sulphur undergoes sp³d² hybridisation, which involves one s, three p, and two d orbitals combining to form six equivalent sp³d² hybrid orbitals. This leads to an octahedral shape for the SF₆ molecule with bond angles of 90°. Thus, the hybridisation state of S in SF₆ is sp³d².