66. Covalent Bonding(12)- sp3d2 Hybridization.

sp³d² hybridization.

The process of mixing one s- orbital, three p- orbitals, and two d-orbitals in an atom to form six sp³ d² hybrid orbitals of equivalent energy is called sp³d² hybridization.

EXAMPLE – SULPHUR HEXACHLORIDE (SF₆)

In the last post, we studied the hybridization of the SF4 molecule. The central sulfur atom was sp³d hybridized. It had a lone pair of electrons. However, under different reaction conditions, the sulfur atoms can excite the electron in the 3p orbital (one of the lone pair of electrons) to vacant d- orbitals to form six unpaired electrons. Then the 3s, 3p, and 3d orbitals hybridize to form six sp³  d² hybrid orbitals of equivalent energy. Later the molecule is formed with six fluorine atoms.

This is one of the coolest gas ! It is called a DEEP VOICE GAS. Inhaling the gas results in the person’s voice getting deeper . This happens because SF₆ gas is about 5 times heavier than air.

As it has six electron pairs surrounding the central atom, it has an octahedral symmetry as predicted by VSEPR.The fluorine atoms are directed toward six corners of a regular octahedron as shown below- 

The molecule has octahedral geometry with bond angle 90º.

Some other ions which exhibit this hybridization are PF₆^– , SiF₆^— , AlF₆^— .

We shall continue our discussion on hybridization in the next post as well. Till then, 

Be a perpetual student of life and keep learning…

Good day!