What is the hybridization of the central atom In the sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) molecule?
The central atom in sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is sulfur. To determine the hybridization of the central atom, we need to count the number of regions of electron density around the sulfur atom.
In sulfur hexafluoride, there are six sigma bonds formed by the overlap of the sp3d2 hybrid orbitals of sulfur with the p orbitals of six fluorine atoms. Each fluorine atom contributes one electron to form a bond with sulfur.
Therefore, there are six sigma bonds around the sulfur atom, indicating that the sulfur atom is surrounded by six regions of electron density.
The number of regions of electron density determines the hybridization of the central atom. In this case, since there are six regions of electron density, the hybridization of the central sulfur atom in SF6 is sp3d2.