Valence bond theory predicts that iodine will use __________ hybrid orbitals in ICl₂⁻. A)sp ² B)sp ³ C)sp ³ d D)sp ³ d ² E)None of these choices are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The central iodine atom in ICl₂⁻ is surrounded by four electron pairs: one from the chlorine atom, one from the sulfur atom, one from the lone pair on the iodine atom, and one from the phosphate group. In order to form bonds with these electron pairs, iodine must use hybrid orbitals. Since iodine has seven valence electrons, one of the 5p orbitals must be involved in hybridization. In addition, one of the 5d orbitals can also be involved in hybridization. Thus, the hybridization of iodine must be sp3d. The correct answer is C, which has 3 hybridized orbitals (sp3) from the 5p orbitals and 2 hybridized orbitals (sp3d) from the 5p and 5d orbitals.

Valence Bond Theory Predicts That Iodine Will Use __________ Hybrid