Multiple Choice
What is the hybridization of the central atom in BH_3?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Hybridization
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What is the hybridization of the central atom (sulfur) in SF_4?
A
sp^3d^2
B
sp^3
C
sp^3d
D
sp^2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in SF_4, which is sulfur (S).
Determine the number of valence electrons on sulfur. Sulfur is in group 16, so it has 6 valence electrons.
Count the number of atoms bonded to sulfur and any lone pairs on sulfur. SF_4 has 4 fluorine atoms bonded to sulfur and 1 lone pair on sulfur.
Calculate the steric number, which is the sum of bonded atoms and lone pairs around sulfur: 4 (bonded atoms) + 1 (lone pair) = 5.
Use the steric number to determine hybridization. A steric number of 5 corresponds to sp\^3d hybridization.
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