Question

what is the hybridization of the central atom in the bromine pentafluoride (brf₅) molecule?

Explanation:

Step1: Determine valence - electron number of central atom

Bromine (Br) in group 17 has 7 valence electrons.

Step2: Calculate number of bonding pairs and lone pairs

In $BrF_5$, Br is the central atom. It has 5 bonding pairs (with 5 F atoms) and 1 lone pair ($7 - 5= 2$ non - bonding electrons form 1 lone pair).

Step3: Use the hybridization formula

The sum of bonding pairs and lone pairs is $5 + 1=6$. The hybridization corresponding to 6 electron - domains is $sp^3d^2$.

Answer:

$sp^3d^2$