Q11.2 P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

What is the orbital hybridization of a central atom that has one lone pair and bonds to

1. two other atoms;
2.  three other atoms;
3.  four other atoms;
4.  five other atoms?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The orbital hybridization of a central atom that has one lone pair-bonded to

1. Two other atoms are ${\mathbf{sp}}^{\mathbf{2}}$  hybridization
2. Three other atoms are  ${\mathbf{sp}}^3$ hybridization
3. Four other atoms are  ${\mathbf{sp}}^3\mathbf{d}$ hybridization
4. Five other atoms are  ${\mathbf{sp}}^3{\mathbf{d}}^2$ hybridization

Step1: With two other atoms

When a central atom with one lone pair of electrons bonded with other two atoms holding the place where a bond would be then the shape becomes bent instead of trigonal planar with ${\mathbf{sp}}^{\mathbf{2}}$  hybridization.

Step2: With three other atoms

When the central atom contains one lone pair of electrons bonded with three atoms the possible geometry becomes trigonal pyramidal instead of tetrahedral with ${\mathbf{sp}}^3$hybridization.

Step3: With four other atoms

When the central atom contains one lone pair of electrons bonded with four atoms the possible geometry becomes see-saw instead of trigonal bipyramidal with  ${\mathbf{sp}}^3\mathbf{d}$hybridization.

Step4: With five other atoms

When the central atom contains one lone pair of electrons bonded with five atoms the possible geometry is square pyramidal instead of Octahedral with  ${\mathbf{sp}}^3{\mathbf{d}}^2$hybridization.