Which is more polar, SF4 or CF4? Why?

To determine which molecule is more polar between SF4 and CF4, we need to consider their molecular geometry and electronegativity differences.

SF4 (sulfur tetrafluoride) has a see-saw molecular shape due to the presence of one lone pair of electrons on the sulfur atom. This uneven distribution of charge leads to a dipole moment because the bonds between sulfur and fluorine are polar, with fluorine being more electronegative than sulfur. As a result, the molecular shape does not allow the dipoles to cancel out entirely, making SF4 a polar molecule.

On the other hand, CF4 (carbon tetrafluoride) has a tetrahedral shape with no lone pairs on the central carbon atom. All the C-F bonds are polar because fluorine is more electronegative than carbon; however, due to the symmetrical tetrahedral geometry, the bond dipoles cancel each other out. Hence, CF4 is a nonpolar molecule.

In conclusion, SF4 is more polar than CF4 because its molecular geometry allows for a net dipole moment, while CF4‘s symmetrical shape results in a cancellation of dipoles.

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