The hybrid orbital set used by the central atom in ClO₂^- is ________. A)sp B)sp² C)sp³ D)sp³d E)sp³d²

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hybridization of the central atom in ClOSB12SBSBP-SBP is determined using the formula:
Hybridization = (number of sigma bonds + number of lone pairs) around the central atom
In this case, the central atom (which is S) is bonded to 2 other atoms (Cl and O) and has 2 lone pairs. So the total number of sigma bonds and lone pairs around the central atom is 4, which corresponds to sp3 hybridization. However, since one of the lone pairs in S is involved in bonding with the adjacent P atom, it forms a double bond with the P atom, resulting in a trigonal planar arrangement of atoms around the S atom. This means that the hybrid orbitals used by the S atom are sp2 hybrids, which contain one unhybridized p orbital. The answer choice that corresponds to this hybrid orbital set is C, which contains 3 sp hybrid orbitals and 2 unhybridized p orbitals.

The Hybrid Orbital Set Used by the Central Atom in ClO2-

The Hybrid Orbital Set Used by the Central Atom in ClO₂^-