Multiple Choice
What is the hybridization of the central iodine atom in the iodine trifluoride (IF_3) molecule?
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12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory
Hybridization
Multiple Choice
What is the hybridization of the central phosphorus atom in the phosphorus pentabromide (PBr_5) molecule?
A
sp^3d^2
B
sp^2
C
sp^3d
D
sp^3
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the central atom in the molecule, which is phosphorus (P) in PBr_5.
Determine the number of electron domains (regions of electron density) around the phosphorus atom. In PBr_5, phosphorus is bonded to five bromine atoms, so there are 5 bonding pairs and no lone pairs on phosphorus.
Recall that the hybridization corresponds to the number of electron domains: 2 domains = sp, 3 domains = sp^2, 4 domains = sp^3, 5 domains = sp^3d, and 6 domains = sp^3d^2.
Since phosphorus has 5 bonding pairs and no lone pairs, the total number of electron domains is 5, which corresponds to sp^3d hybridization.
Conclude that the hybridization of the central phosphorus atom in PBr_5 is sp^3d.
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