Question

The hybridization of iodine in $I{F}_5$ is:

• A. $s{p}^{3}d$
• B. $s{p}^3{d}^2$
• C. $s{p}^3{d}^3$
• D. $s{p}^3$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $s{p}^3{d}^2$

Electronic configuration of iodine$=\left[Kr\right]4d^{10}5s^{2}5p^5$
Thus it has 7 valence electrons.
5 valence electrons are used to hold 5 fluorine atoms while 2 valence electrons form one lone pair of electrons.
Thus, its steric number is 5+1=6. This implies $s{p}^3{d}^2$ hybridisation.
Hence option (b) is the correct answer.