Why can an oxygen atom only form one compound with fluorine, OF 2 , but sulfur forms the compounds SF 2 , SF 4 , and SF 6 ?

Sulfur can utilize d valence orbitals to expand its valence shell and form more compounds with fluorine, whereas oxygen, lacking d orbitals, is limited in its ability to expand its valence shell.

Why can an oxygen atom only form one compound with fluorine, OF 2 , but sulfur forms the compounds SF 2 , SF 4 , and SF 6 ?

Sulfur can utilize d valence orbitals to expand its valence shell and form more compounds with fluorine, whereas oxygen, lacking d orbitals, is limited in its ability to expand its valence shell.

Solved

Why Can an Oxygen Atom Only Form One Compound with Fluorine

Question 12

Multiple Choice

Why can an oxygen atom only form one compound with fluorine, OF₂, but sulfur forms the compounds SF₂, SF₄, and SF₆?

A) Oxygen has a higher electronegativity than sulfur.
B) Sulfur is larger than oxygen.
C) The difference in electronegativity is smaller between O and F, than it is between S and F.
D) Sulfur has d valence orbitals whereas oxygen does not.
E) none of these

Correct Answer: