What is the Steric Number (S.N.) for the central Iodine atom in the molecule? — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The steric number is calculated as the sum of $\sigma$ bonds and lone pairs on the central atom. In $IF_7$, Iodine (7 valence electrons) forms 7 $\sigma$ bonds with Fluorine and has 0 lone pairs. $S.N. = 7 + 0 = 7$ (corresponding to $sp^3d^3$ hybridization).