Question

What atomic or hybrid orbitals make up the sigma bond between Cl and F in chlorine trifluoride, ClF3

Answer 1

Answer:

sp³d¹ hybridization

Explanation:

Given Cl as central element with three F substrates ...

The VSEPR structure indicates 5 hybrid orbitals that contain 2 diamagnetic orbitals (non-bonded e⁻-pairs) and 3 paramagnetic orbitals (single, non-paired electron for covalent bonding with fluorine) giving a trigonal bypyrimidal parent with a T-shaped geometry.

Valence bond theory predicts the following during bonding:

Cl:[Ne]3s²3p²p²p¹3d⁰

=> [Ne]3s²p²p¹p¹d¹

=> [Ne]3(sp³d)²(sp³d)²(sp³d)¹(sp³d)¹(sp³d)¹

giving 3 ( [Cl](sp³d) - [F]2p¹ ) sigma bonds and 2 non-bonded pairs on Cl.

Note the following images:

Non-bonded electron pairs are in plane of parent geometry and Fluorides covalently bonded to central element Chloride forming the T-shaped geometry.