Which of the following would have a permanent dipole moment?
- SiF4
- SF4
- XeF4
- BF3
Answer
(2) SF4
Solution
SiF4: 4 bond pairs, tetrahedral — bond dipoles cancel, = 0
BF3: 3 bond pairs, trigonal planar — = 0
XeF4: 4 bond pairs + 2 lone pairs, square planar — = 0
SF4: 4 bond pairs + 1 lone pair, see-saw shape — bond dipoles do not cancel, 0
SF4 has a permanent dipole moment.
Answer: (2)