VSEPR Theory & Molecular Structure

[pnoybballin]

Can some somebody explain what is meant by dsp3 hybridization and d2sp3 hybridization? Thanks a lot!

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[futuredoctor10]

So beyond the traditional sp/sp2/sp3, the dsp3 and d2sp3 hybridizations can occur if the atoms have d orbitals to use in hybridization.

So instead of just mixing s and p, you can mix s p and d for transition metals [which are elements with d orbitals].

The hybridization of two d orbitals, one s orbital, and three p orbitals can create 6 hybrid d2sp3 orbitals.

 

[FutureScaresMe]

I guess the best example would be PCl₅. Phosphorus has an electron configuration of 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p_x¹3p_y[FONT=Helvetica, Arial]¹3p_z¹. By inputing energy to promote an electron to the next highest energy level (3d NOT 4s), you now have 5 available bonding electrons, .1s²2s²2p⁶3s¹3p_x¹3p_y[FONT=Helvetica, Arial]¹3p_z¹3d¹.[FONT=Helvetica, Arial]. The 3 electron levels now rearrange to form 5 hybrid orbitals all of equal energy, called sp³d orbitals which can now bond to 5 Cl atoms.

For nitrogen, in the same family as P, NCl₅ does not exist because it doesn't have a 2d orbital to promote an electron to. The next highest orbital is 3s, which requires too much energy to accomplish electron promotion.
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