Question

Which of the following sets are correctly matched?

Molecule	Number of lone pairs of electrons on central atom	Hybridization
I) \( \text{PCF}_3 \)	1	\( \text{sp}^3 \)
II) \( \text{SO}_2 \)	2	\( \text{sp}^2 \)
III) \( \text{SF}_4 \)	2	\( \text{sp}^3d^2 \)
IV) \( \text{CF}_4 \)	2	\( \text{sp}^3 \)

• A. I & II
• B. II & III
• C. II & IV
• D. I & IV

Hint:

To determine hybridization, count the number of bonding regions and lone pairs on the central atom. The hybridization corresponds to the number of regions of electron density.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

- For PCF₃, the central atom (C) has 1 lone pair and forms 3 bonds with fluorine atoms, leading to an sp³ hybridization. - For SO₂, the central atom (S) has 2 lone pairs and forms 2 bonds with oxygen atoms, leading to an sp² hybridization. Therefore, the correct matching is I & II.