SF6 is known but SCl6 is not.

Question:

SF6 is known but SCl6 is not. Why?

Solution:

Fluorine is the strongest oxidizing agent and it can oxidize sulphur to its maximum oxidation state +6 to form SF6. Chlorine is not a good oxidizing agent, it cannot oxidize

sulphur to its maximum oxidation state. Chlorine can oxidize sulphur to only +4 oxidation state. Hence it can form SCl4 but not SCl6.

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