Question

The Be-Cl bonds in $BeC{l}_2$ are formed due to overlap of ____ and ____ orbitals.

• A. p , p
• B. s , p
• C. sp , p
• D. sp , s

Answer 1

The correct option is C sp , p

In ground state beryllium atom has the electronic configuration of $1s^2$ $2s^2$ $2p^0$.

Beryllium forms beryllium chloride in excited state $1s^2$ $2s^1$ $2p^1$ with chlorine ([Ne] $3s^2$ $3p^5$).

$2s$ and $2p_x$ orbitals in berylium hybridise to form two $sp$ orbitals.

These sp orbitals with one electron each overlap with p orbitals of chlorine atom to form $BeC{l}_2$.

So, the sp and p orbitals overlap to form the Be - Cl bonds.

$BeC{l}_2$