Q11.49CP - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

Sulfur forms oxides, oxoanions, and halides. What is the hybridization of the central S in ${\mathbf{SO}}_2$ ,${\mathbf{SO}}_3$  , ${{\mathbf{SO}}_3}^{2-}$  , ${\mathbf{SCl}}_4$ ,  ${\mathbf{SCl}}_6$, and  ${\mathbf{S}}_2{\mathbf{Cl}}_2$ (atom sequence Cl—S—S—Cl)?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The hybridization of the S in different compounds are:

In  ${\mathbf{SO}}_2$  the hybridization is sp

In  ${\mathbf{SO}}_3$  the hybridization is sp²

In  ${{\mathbf{SO}}_3}^{2-}$ the hybridization is sp³

In  ${\mathbf{SCl}}_4$ the hybridization is sp³d

In ${\mathbf{SCl}}_6$  the hybridization is sp³d²

In ${\mathbf{S}}_2{\mathbf{Cl}}_2$  the hybridization is sp³

Step 1: Bonding

Bonding may be defined as the force of attraction between two or more atoms to form a compound. The molecule can have the same atom and a different atom.

Hybridization may be defined as the mixing of the atomic orbital to form a hybrid orbital before bonding with another atomic orbital having a similar atomic orbital.

Step 2: VSPER Theory

The molecule is always bonded in a geometry in a three-dimensional structure using the hybrid orbital by the atoms. Due to the difference in the hybridization of the molecule the geometry of the molecule changes. 

 

The geometry of the molecule is:

sp hybridized molecule has linear shape molecule.

sp²  hybridized molecule has trigonal planar geometry.

sp³ hybridized molecule has tetrahedral geometry.

sp³d hybridized molecule has trigonal bi-pyramidal geometry.

d²sp³  hybridized molecule has octahedral geometry.