Which of the following molecules has a central atom with sp3 hybridization? (LO 8.4) (a) PCl5 (b) OF2 (c) CO2 (d) SF4

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that hybridization is the concept of mixing atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals suitable for the pairing of electrons. The type of hybridization (sp, sp2, sp3, etc.) depends on the number of 'electron domains' around the central atom. An electron domain can be a single bond, double bond, triple bond, or a lone pair of electrons.
2. Step 2: Identify the central atom in each molecule. For PCl5, it's P; for OF2, it's O; for CO2, it's C; and for SF4, it's S.
3. Step 3: Determine the number of electron domains around each central atom. For PCl5, there are 5 (each Cl); for OF2, there are 4 (2 from each F and 2 lone pairs); for CO2, there are 2 (each O); and for SF4, there are 4 (each F and 1 lone pair).
4. Step 4: Match the number of electron domains to the type of hybridization. sp3 hybridization corresponds to 4 electron domains.
5. Step 5: Based on the above analysis, the molecule with a central atom that has sp3 hybridization is OF2 and SF4.

Key Concepts

Hybridization

Hybridization is a concept in chemistry that describes the mixing of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals. These hybrid orbitals are used to explain the geometry and bonding properties of molecules. For example, sp3 hybridization involves the mixing of one s orbital and three p orbitals, resulting in four equivalent sp3 hybrid orbitals that are arranged tetrahedrally.

Molecular Geometry

Molecular geometry refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within a molecule. The geometry is determined by the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs of electrons around the central atom. Understanding molecular geometry is crucial for predicting the shape of a molecule, which in turn influences its reactivity and properties.

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory

VSEPR theory is a model used to predict the geometry of individual molecules based on the repulsion between electron pairs in the valence shell of the central atom. According to VSEPR, electron pairs will arrange themselves as far apart as possible to minimize repulsion, which helps in determining the hybridization and shape of the molecule.