A molecule with the formula AX₄E uses __________ to form its bonds. A)sp ² hybrid orbitals B)sp ³ hybrid orbitals C)sp ³ d hybrid orbitals D)sp ³ d ² hybrid orbitals E)None of these choices are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The molecule contains two different atoms, A and B, which have different electronegativities. This suggests that the molecule will form polar covalent bonds. The presence of the sulfur atoms suggests that both A and B atoms will form bonds with sulfur using their p orbitals. Since the p orbitals are perpendicular to the x, y, and z axes, they cannot form hybrid orbitals that point in those directions. Therefore, only d orbitals can be hybridized with the p orbitals to form directional hybrid orbitals. The sp hybrid orbitals involve only one p orbital, while the d orbitals can involve two p orbitals. Therefore, the best choice for the hybrid orbitals used in this molecule is sp ³ d hybrid orbitals.

A Molecule with the Formula AX4E Uses __________ to Form

A Molecule with the Formula AX₄E Uses __________ to Form