Chemistry - CHEMICAL BONDING Question with Solution | TestHub

Electronegativity effect: Highly electronegative F atoms attract more $p$-character, decreasing the $s$-character ($x_1<x_2$) and narrowing the F-S-F angle (${\theta }_1<{\theta }_2$).

Angle comparison: Due to less $s$-character in the S-F bonds, the S=O bonds in the first molecule gain more $s$-character, making ${\varphi }_1>{\varphi }_2$.

Bond lengths: Fluorine has a much smaller atomic radius than Carbon (–CH₃), which makes the S-F bond length (${\ell }_1$) significantly shorter than the S-C bond length (${\ell }_2$).

Conclusion: Therefore, the order ${\ell }_1>{\ell }_2$ is incorrect, making (C) the right choice.