Question

The $As{F}_5$ molecule is trigonal bipyramidal. The hybrid orbitals used by the As atoms for bonding are:

• A. $d_{x^2-y^2},d_{z^2},p_x,p_y$
• B. $d_{xy},s,p_x,p_y,p_z$
• C. $d_{x^2-y^2},s,p_x,p_y$
• D. $s,p_x,p_y,p_z,d_{z^2}$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $s,p_x,p_y,p_z,d_{z^2}$

$As{F}_5$ has $s{p}^{3}d$ hybridisation.

In $s{p}^{3}d$ hybridisation, the $d_{z^2}$ orbital is used along with the ${}^{\prime }{s}^{\prime }$ and three ${}^{\prime }{p}^{\prime }$ orbitals to form three equatorial bonds and two equally strong axial bonds for a trigonal bipyramidal geometry.

Hence, option D is correct.