Which of the following molecule is theoretically not possible? — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Analyze the period and electronic configuration of the central atoms. Oxygen is in the second period (1s2 2s2 2p4) and lacks vacant d-orbitals in its valence shell. Step 2: Because it has no available d-orbitals, oxygen cannot expand its valence shell beyond a maximum of eight electrons (the octet rule). Step 3: Forming OF4 would require oxygen to form four bonds and accommodate ten electrons in its outer shell (4 bonding pairs and 1 lone pair), which is theoretically impossible. Therefore, OF4 is not possible, matching option (c).