Question

what is the hybridization of the central atom in the phosphorus pentachloride (pcl5) molecule?

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the number of valence - electrons of P

Phosphorus (P) is in Group 5A, so it has 5 valence electrons.

Step2: Determine the number of bonding pairs

Each Cl atom forms a single bond with P. There are 5 Cl atoms, so there are 5 bonding pairs.

Step3: Calculate the steric number

The steric number (SN) is the sum of the number of bonding pairs and lone - pairs. Since there are no lone - pairs on P in \(PCl_5\) and 5 bonding pairs, \(SN=5\).

Step4: Determine the hybridization

When the steric number is 5, the hybridization of the central atom is \(sp^{3}d\).

Answer:

\(sp^{3}d\)