Question

Molecules that involve both s and p orbital electrons in their bonding include which of the following? (Atomic number: H=1, C=6, N= 7, Cl= 17)
(1) $N{H}_3$
(2) $CC{l}_4$
(3) HCl

• A. If 1, 2 and 3 are correct
• B. If only 1 and 2 are correct
• C. If only 2 and 3 are correct
• D. If only 1 is correct
• E. If only 3 is correct

Answer 1

The correct option is A If 1, 2 and 3 are correct

1. In the ammonia molecule ($N{H}_3$), 2s and 2p orbitals create four $s{p}^3$ hybrid orbitals , one of which is occupied by a lone pair of electrons.
2. $C{Cl}_4$ is a tetrahedral molecule comprising four single bonds, known as sigma bonds, between the carbon atom and the chlorine atoms. In this type of bonding the 2s orbital and the three 2p orbitals of the carbon atom are mixed to produce four identical orbitals, a process known as sp3 hybridization.
   
3. There is no orbital hybridization in HCl. The $3p^z$ of Cl can overlap with the 1s of H just fine.