Question

What is the hybridization of ${\mathrm{P}}_4$?

Answer 1

Hybridization of Phosphorus ${\mathrm{P}}_4$:

• Each $\mathrm{P}$ atom in ${\mathrm{P}}_4$ is linked with $3$ other $\mathrm{P}$ atoms by $3$ sigma bonds.
• In ${\mathrm{P}}_4$, phosphorus does make three bonds, but the molecular geometry cannot be explained by three bonds made from partially-filled p orbitals.
• Due to larger atomic size $\mathrm{P}$ is unable to form pi bonds and so it is tetra-atomic in which each $\mathrm{P}$ atom is linked with $3$ other $\mathrm{P}$ atoms by sigma bonds.
• So, in ${\mathrm{P}}_4$, each $\mathrm{P}$ atom has $3$ sigma bonds and one lone pair so hybridization is the sum of bonding pairs as well as the lone pair of electrons so the total is $4$.
• Thus, the hybridization of ${\mathrm{P}}_4$ is ${\mathrm{sp}}^3$.