Question

Be sure to answer all parts.

Describe the change in hybridization (if any) of the Al atom in the following reaction:

AlCl3 + Cl− → AlCl4−

Al hybridization in AlCl3
sp
sp2-THIS ONE IS CORRECT
sp3
sp3d
sp3d2
Al hybridization in AlCl4−
sp
sp2
sp3-THIS ONE IS CORRECT
sp3d
sp3d2

Answer 1

In the AlCl3 molecule, Al has an sp2 hybridization, but when it bonds with an additional Cl- to form AlCl4-, it changes to sp3 hybridization to accommodate the extra bond. The change in hybridization of the Al atom in the reaction AlCl3 + Cl− → AlCl4− is from sp2 to sp3.

Step-by-step explanation:

The change in hybridization of the Al atom in the reaction AlCl3 + Cl− → AlCl4− is from sp2 to sp3. In AlCl3, the Al atom is bonded to three Cl atoms using three sigma bonds and has one unhybridized 2p orbital. When it reacts with Cl− to form AlCl4−, the Al atom forms a coordinate bond with a lone pair of electrons from Cl−, resulting in the hybridization of the empty 2p orbital with the 3s and two of the 3p orbitals, leading to sp3 hybridization.