Question

When PCl5 solidifies it forms PCl4+ cations and PCl6– anions. According to valence bond theory,
M what hybrid orbitals are used by phosphorus in the PCl4+ cations?

a. sp
b. sp2
c. sp3
d. sp3d
e. sp3d2

Answer 1

Hey there!

No of hybrid orbitals , H = ( V +S - C + A ) / 2

Where H = no . of hybrid orbitals

V = Valence of the central atom = 5

S = No . of single valency atoms = 4

C = No . of cations = 1

A = No . of anions = 0

For PCl4 +

Plug the values we get H = ( 5+4-1+0) / 2

H =  4 ---> sp3 hybridization

sp3 hybrid orbitals are used by phosphorous in the PCl4+ cations

Answer C

Hope that helps!