Question

In which of the following cases, there is no change in hybridization of the central atom?

• A. \( NH_3 + H^+ \rightarrow NH_4^+ \)
• B. \( BF_3 + F^- \rightarrow BF_4^- \)
• C. \( PCl_5 + Cl^- \rightarrow PCl_6^- \)
• D. \( ClF_3 + F^- \rightarrow ClF_4^- \)

Hint:

If a molecule undergoes bonding without increasing the number of hybrid orbitals, its hybridization remains the same.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding Hybridization Changes - \( NH_3 \) has sp\(^3\) hybridization with a lone pair. - When it gains a proton to form \( NH_4^+ \), the lone pair is replaced by a bonding pair, but the hybridization remains sp\(^3\). For the other cases: - \( BF_3 \) (sp\(^2\)) changes to \( BF_4^- \) (sp\(^3\)). - \( PCl_5 \) (sp\(^3\)d) changes to \( PCl_6^- \) (sp\(^3\)d\(^2\)). - \( ClF_3 \) (sp\(^3\)d) changes to \( ClF_4^- \) (sp\(^3\)d\(^2\)). Thus, only in option (1), the hybridization remains unchanged.