Question

What is the geometry and hybridization of the central atom of the following molecules or ions?
$I{F}_3$

Answer 1

The geometry is Trigonal bipyramidal and the shape is T-shaped.

Its hybridization can be determined by the number of lone pairs around iodine and the number of sigma bonds formed between I and F. Since the iodine has 7 valence electrons out of which 3 electrons form sigma bond with F atoms and left with forming 2 lone pair.

Hence this shows that stearic number is 5 and therefore the hybridization is $s{p}^{3}d$ and the geometry is trigonal planar and the shape is T-shaped where the 2 F atoms are axial and one is at the equatorial position.