Question

The central atom in $OS{F}_4$ is

• A. O
• B. S
• C. F
• D. Both (a) and (b)

Answer 1

The correct option is B

S

Lets try to remember what we learnt from the videos (concept)

$\to$ Generally central atom is the atom which is least in number.

Therefore, we can conclude that Flourine is not our central atom.

Now, we are left with S and O.

Now, do you remember

$\to$ If there are more than one element which we can take as our central atom, then the one which has more number of valance electrons will be our central atom. Between the Sulphur atom and the Oxygen atom, which one do you think has more number of valence electrons? They both belong to the same group in the periodic table and hence have the same number of valence electrons!

How do you propose to break this tricky tie then? Do recall that:

$\to$ When number of atoms of two elements in a compound are same and their valance electrons are also same, then the one which has d-orbitals will be the central atom.

Therefore, our central atom will be S.