Question

Describe the molecular geometry and hybridization of the N, P, or S atoms in each of the following compounds:

a) NF₃
b) PH₃
c) H₂S
d) PCl₅

Answer 1

The molecular geometry and hybridization of the N, P, or S atoms in the compounds are as follows: a) NF₃ - trigonal pyramidal, sp³ hybridized b) PH₃ - trigonal pyramidal, sp³ hybridized c) H₂S - bent or V-shaped, sp³ hybridized d) PCl₅ - trigonal bipyramidal, sp³d² hybridized

Step-by-step explanation:

a) NF₃: The nitrogen atom in NF₃ is sp³ hybridized, with three bonding pairs and one lone pair. The molecular geometry of NF₃ is trigonal pyramidal.

b) PH₃: The phosphorus atom in PH₃ is also sp³ hybridized, with three bonding pairs and one lone pair. The molecular geometry of PH₃ is trigonal pyramidal.

c) H₂S: The sulfur atom in H₂S is sp³ hybridized, with two bonding pairs and two lone pairs. The molecular geometry of H₂S is bent or V-shaped.

d) PCl₅: The phosphorus atom in PCl₅ is sp³d² hybridized, with five bonding pairs and no lone pairs. The molecular geometry of PCl₅ is trigonal bipyramidal.