Question

Explain about sp³d² hybridisation with an example.

Answer 1

1. In sulphur hexafluoride SF₆ , the central atom sulphur extend its octet to undergo sp³d hybridisation to generate six sp³d² hybridised orbitals which accounts for six equivalent S – F bonds.

2. The ground state electronic configuration of sulphur is [Ne] 3s²3p_x¹3p_y¹3p_z¹

3. One electron each form 3s orbital and 3p orbital of sulphur is promoted to its two vacant 3d orbitals d_z² and d_x²-y² in the excited state.

4. A total of six valence orbitals from sulphur (one 3s orbital, three 3p orbitals and two 3d orbitals) (d_x² and d_x²-y²) which mixes to give six equivalent sp³d² hybridised orbitals. The orbital geometry is octahedral.

5. The six sp³d² hybridised orbitals of sulphur overlaps linearly with 2p_z orbital of six fluorine atoms to form the six S – F bonds in sulphur hexa fluoride