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The formula for sulfur hexafluoride is:

a. SF6
b. SF5
c. SF4
d. SF3

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The correct formula for sulfur hexafluoride is SF6, a compound with sp³d² hybridization forming an octahedral structure around the sulfur atom.

Step-by-step explanation:

The formula for sulfur hexafluoride is SF6. This compound is a colorless, odorless, non-toxic, and non-flammable gas that is often used in electrical switchgear.

The sulfur atom in sulfur hexafluoride exhibits sp³d² hybridization. To bond six fluorine atoms, the sulfur atom utilizes the 3s orbital, three 3p orbitals, and two of the 3d orbitals to form six sp³d² hybrid orbitals, each pointing towards the corners of an octahedral structure. Due to these chemical properties, sulfur hexafluoride is also used as a tracer gas and in medical ultrasonography.

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