What is the electron geometry, molecular geometry, polarity, and central atom hybridization of SCl4?

The molecule sulfur tetrachloride (SCl₄) has several key characteristics:

1. Electron Geometry:

For SCl₄, the electron geometry is trigonal bipyramidal. This is due to the presence of five areas of electron density around the central sulfur atom, which includes four bonding pairs (from the S-Cl bonds) and one lone pair.

2. Molecular Geometry:

The molecular geometry of SCl₄ is seesaw. This shape arises when one of the equatorial positions of the trigonal bipyramidal geometry is occupied by a lone pair, leading to the unique arrangement of the four chlorine atoms around the sulfur.

3. Polarity:

SCl₄ is polar because the molecular geometry is not symmetrical. The lone pair creates a region of negative charge, which affects the distribution of the bond dipoles, making the overall dipole moment non-zero.

4. Central Atom Hybridization:

The central atom, sulfur, is sp³d hybridized in SCl₄. This hybridization occurs as sulfur uses one s orbital, three p orbitals, and one d orbital to form five equivalent hybrid orbitals, which accommodate the electron pairs from the four chlorine atoms and the lone pair.