How many compounds among the following have sp3d hybridisation of the central atom?
BrF5, XeF5-, ICl2-, ICl4-, SF4, NH4+, ClF3, XeF2, XeF4
The hybridisation of the central atom can be determined using the steric number, which is equal to:
Steric Number = Bond Pairs + Lone Pairs
If the steric number is 5, the hybridisation is sp3d.
Let us examine each species:
| Compound | Steric Number | Hybridisation |
|---|---|---|
| BrF5 | 6 | sp3d2 |
| XeF5- | 7 | sp3d3 |
| ICl2- | 5 | sp3d |
| ICl4- | 6 | sp3d2 |
| SF4 | 5 | sp3d |
| NH4+ | 4 | sp3 |
| ClF3 | 5 | sp3d |
| XeF2 | 5 | sp3d |
| XeF4 | 6 | sp3d2 |
The compounds having sp3d hybridisation are:
Total number = 4.
The concept of hybridisation helps explain molecular geometry and bond angles. Compounds with sp3d hybridisation generally exhibit trigonal bipyramidal electron-pair geometry, although the actual molecular shape depends on the number of lone pairs present.
Number of compounds with sp3d hybridisation = 4