Answer to Question #107403 in Chemistry for C

Question

May I please ask if SCl4 2+three dimensional molecular shape is tetrahedral/trigonal pyramidal/bent/linear/trigonal planar?

Answer 1

The shape if SCl₄ ²⁺ is tetrahedral. Let’s see how, using VSEPR theory and AXE method. In this method, AXE description corresponds to a molecule with central atom A that is linked to atom X and possesses an electron pair E. To each description corresponds to a particular three dimensional shape.

Sulphur has 6 electrons in its valence shell (you can see this from the periodic table). 2+ means that it is an ion and it has two electrons less , so only 4 are left. These 4 electrons are used to make 4 polar covalent bonds with chlorine . Therefore, this ion corresponds to the description AX4 and has a tetrahedral shape .

Answer: SCl₄²⁺ has tetrahedral shape.