Indicate the type of hybrid orbitals used by the central atom in PCl₃.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In this molecule, the central atom is P (phosphorus). The electron configuration of P is [Ne] 3s2 3p3. To form bonds with 4 different atoms (3 Cl atoms and 1 S atom), P needs to hybridize its orbitals. It forms 4 hybrid orbitals, which are a combination of the 3p and 3s orbitals. Since there are 3p orbitals involved, it is a sp3 hybridization. Therefore, the correct choice is C, which contains the sp3 hybridization (sp³).

Indicate the Type of Hybrid Orbitals Used by the Central