Why is OF2 Oxygen's only fluoride?

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Why is OF2 Oxygen's only fluoride?

For sulfur, the fluorides SF2, SF4, and AF6 are known to exist, whereas for oxygen only OF2 is known to exist. Why?

2007-12-06 13:12:57 · 1 answers · asked by ny_spinner_dan 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry

1 answers

Because S, Se, and Te have d-orbitals that they can hybridize with other orbitals to give higher valences. d-Orbitals are too high in energy for oxygen to reach.

2007-12-06 13:17:30 · answer #1 · answered by steve_geo1 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋