Question

What is the shape of the molecules which have ${sp}^{3}d$ hybridization?

• A. Tetrahedral
• B. Trigonal Planar
• C. Square bipyramidal
• D. Trigonal bipyramidal

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Trigonal bipyramidal

We know that

1s + 1p $\to$ 2 $sp$ hybrid orbitals

1s + 2p $\to$ 3 ${sp}^2$ hybrid orbitals

1s + 3p $\to$ 4 ${sp}^3$ hybrid orbitals

1s + 1p + 1d $\to$ 5 ${sp}^{3}d$ hybrid orbitals

So, we have to arrange 5 ${sp}^{3}d$ hybrid orbitals around the central atom, such that the molecule experiences least electrostatic repulsion.

It comes out to be Trigonal Bipyramidal