Question #4034c

1 Answer
Ernest Z.
Dec 31, 2016

The answer is d. #"S"#.

Explanation:

For an atom to violate the octet rule, it must use its #"d"# orbitals to form the extra bonds.

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For second row elements like #"C, N"#, and #"O"#, the energy difference between the #"2p"# and #"3d"# orbitals is too great for the #"3d"# orbital to be used for bonding.

#"S"# is a third-row element, and its #"3p"# and #"3d"# orbitals are much closer in energy.

The energy required to use a #"3d"# orbital is more than compensated by the energy released when new bonds are formed, as in a reaction like

#"S + 3F"_2 → "SF"_6#

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