Question

what is the hybridization on the central atom of scl₃⁺?
○ sp³
○ sp²
○ sp³d²
○ sp³d
○ sp

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate the steric number

The formula for steric number \(SN=\text{number of bonding pairs}+\text{number of lone pairs}\).
For \(SCl_{3}^{+}\), sulfur (\(S\)) is the central atom. The number of bonding pairs: \(S\) is bonded to \(3\) \(Cl\) atoms, so \(3\) bonding pairs.
The number of valence electrons of \(S\) is \(6\), in \(SCl_{3}^{+}\), the charge is \(+ 1\), so the available valence electrons for \(S\) is \(6 - 1=5\). After forming \(3\) \(S - Cl\) bonds (using \(3\times2 = 6\) electrons, but considering the charge - adjusted electron count), the number of lone pairs: \(\frac{5-(3\times1)}{2}=1\) lone pair.
So, \(SN=3 + 1=4\).

Step2: Determine hybridization from steric number

If \(SN = 4\), the hybridization is \(sp^{3}\).

Answer:

\(sp^{3}\)