Question

In which if the following changes there is no change in hybridization of the central atom?

• A. C2H₄ →(H₂NI)C₂H₆
• B. PCL₅ + CL^- → PCL^6-
• C. BF₃ + F^- → BF^4-
• D. NH₃ + H⁺ → NH^{4 +} 

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The correct option is:  (B): PCL₅ + CL^- → PCL^6-

The hybridization of an atom is determined by its bonding and lone pairs of electrons. In PCl5, the central phosphorus (P) atom is bonded to five chlorine (Cl) atoms, resulting in a trigonal bipyramidal arrangement. The hybridization of P in PCl5 is sp3d.

When a chloride ion (Cl-) is added to PCl5, it occupies one of the axial positions in the trigonal bipyramidal structure, leading to the formation of the PCl6- ion. However, the central phosphorus atom still maintains its original trigonal bipyramidal arrangement with five sigma bonds and one lone pair, and therefore, the hybridization remains unchanged as sp3d.

In summary, the hybridization of the central phosphorus atom (P) in PCl5 remains the same (sp3d) even after the addition of a chloride ion to form PCl6-.