Question

What hybrid orbitals would you expect to be present in BeF3? What hybrid orbitals would you expect to be present in BeCl2?

a) BeF3: sp2, BeCl2: sp
b) BeF3: sp, BeCl2: sp2
c) BeF3: sp3, BeCl2: sp2
d) BeF3: sp2, BeCl2: sp3

Answer 1

In BeF3, three equivalent sp2 hybrid orbitals are present. In BeCl2, two equivalent sp hybrid orbitals are present. Correct option is a)

Step-by-step explanation:

In BeF3, the beryllium atom is surrounded by three fluorine atoms. To accommodate these three electron domains, the Be atom's valence atomic orbitals will mix to yield three equivalent sp2 hybrid orbitals. These hybrid orbitals are oriented in a trigonal planar geometry, with an angle of 120 degrees between them. Each sp2 hybrid orbital forms a sigma bond with a fluorine atom.

In BeCl2, the beryllium atom is surrounded by two chlorine atoms. To accommodate these two electron domains, the Be atom's valence atomic orbitals will mix to yield two equivalent sp hybrid orbitals. These hybrid orbitals are oriented in a linear geometry, with an angle of 180 degrees between them. Each sp hybrid orbital forms a sigma bond with a chlorine atom.