Show the step that leads to the hybrid orbital of the following molecule. Name the hybrid orbital and state the molecular geometry of each molecule.
a) CIF5
b) CIF3
c) PCI6
d) BeCl42-
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
To determine the hybrid orbitals involved in bonding and the molecular geometry of the given molecules, we first need to consider the electron pair geometry and the number of bonds and lone pairs around the central atom. Let’s break down each molecule step by step:
a) ClF5 (Chlorine Pentafluoride)
- Electron Domain Geometry: Chlorine (Cl) is the central atom, and it forms five bonds with five fluorine (F) atoms. There are no lone pairs on chlorine.
- Hybridization: The chlorine atom has 5 bonding domains, so it undergoes sp^3d hybridization. This involves mixing one s orbital, three p orbitals, and one d orbital.
- Molecular Geometry: With 5 bonding pairs and no lone pairs, the geometry is trigonal bipyramidal.
b) ClF3 (Chlorine Trifluoride)
- Electron Domain Geometry: Chlorine (Cl) is the central atom, bonded to three fluorine atoms. Chlorine has two lone pairs.
- Hybridization: The chlorine atom has 3 bonding domains and 2 lone pairs, so it undergoes sp^3d hybridization. The two lone pairs occupy the equatorial positions in a trigonal bipyramidal geometry.
- Molecular Geometry: With 3 bonds and 2 lone pairs, the molecular geometry is T-shaped.
c) PF6 (Phosphorus Hexafluoride)
- Electron Domain Geometry: Phosphorus (P) is the central atom, bonded to six fluorine atoms. There are no lone pairs on phosphorus.
- Hybridization: The phosphorus atom has 6 bonding domains, so it undergoes sp^3d^2 hybridization, using one s orbital, three p orbitals, and two d orbitals.
- Molecular Geometry: With 6 bonds and no lone pairs, the geometry is octahedral.
d) BeCl4^2- (Beryllium Tetrachloride Anion)
- Electron Domain Geometry: The beryllium atom (Be) is the central atom, bonded to four chlorine (Cl) atoms. The molecule has a 2- charge, which does not affect the bonding.
- Hybridization: The beryllium atom has 4 bonding domains, so it undergoes sp^3 hybridization.
- Molecular Geometry: With 4 bonding pairs and no lone pairs, the geometry is tetrahedral.
Let’s now create the image of the molecular structures with their respective hybridizations and geometries.
Here is a detailed molecular illustration showing the hybridization and molecular geometry of the molecules ClF5, ClF3, PF6, and BeCl4^2-. This diagram should help clarify the bonding and structure of each molecule based on their hybridization and geometry. Let me know if you’d like further details or explanation on any part!
