In `SCl_(4)` the central atom involves

Options

A. `sp^(3)` hybridization
B. `sp^(2)d^(2)` hybridization
C. `sp^(3)d` hybridization
D. `dsp^(2)` hybridization

Answer

To determine the hybridization of the central atom in \( \text{SCl}_4 \), we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the central atom
The central atom in \( \text{SCl}_4 \) is sulfur (S).

### Step 2: Determine the valence electrons of the central atom
Sulfur is in group 16 of the periodic table and has 6 valence electrons.

### Step 3: Count the number of monovalent atoms bonded to the central atom
Chlorine (Cl) is a monovalent atom, meaning it can form one bond. In \( \text{SCl}_4 \), there are 4 chlorine atoms bonded to sulfur.

### Step 4: Calculate the steric number
The steric number (SN) is calculated using the formula:
\[ \text{SN} = \text{Number of bonded atoms} + \text{Number of lone pairs} \]
In this case:
- Number of bonded atoms = 4 (from 4 Cl atoms)
- Number of lone pairs on sulfur = 6 (valence electrons) - 4 (bonds with Cl) = 2 lone pairs

So, the steric number is:
\[ \text{SN} = 4 + 2 = 6 \]

### Step 5: Determine the hybridization based on the steric number
The hybridization can be determined from the steric number:
- SN = 2 → sp
- SN = 3 → sp²
- SN = 4 → sp³
- SN = 5 → sp³d
- SN = 6 → sp³d²

Since we calculated a steric number of 6, the hybridization of sulfur in \( \text{SCl}_4 \) is \( \text{sp}^3d^2 \).

### Final Answer
The central atom in \( \text{SCl}_4 \) involves \( \text{sp}^3d^2 \) hybridization.

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