Problem+Set+12

7. Sulfur hexafluoride does not follow the octet rule but the bond is possible because sulfur's highest energy level is n=3 and in the third energy level there is the possibility of a d orbital. Therefore, when sulfur bonds with fluorine, the electrons that do not fit in the s and p orbitals go into the d orbital. This is not possible with elements with electrons in n=2 as the highest energy level. S: 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3s^4 The 3d orbital is not occupied; therefore, the electrons go into that orbital. Bonded: S: 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3s^6 3d^4 (Rachel. H.)