Question

Octahedral molecular shape exists in _______ hybridization.
A) \[s{p^3}d\]
B) \[s{p^3}{d^2}\]
C) \[s{p^3}{d^3}\]
D) None of these

Answer 1

Hint: We know that hybridization is the process in which atomic orbitals of similar energies combine to form new orbitals. And the new orbitals that formed have different shapes and energies than the original orbitals.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
There are four orbitals namely s, p, d, and f in which electrons are filled. The electron distribution in these orbital stabilises the molecule to acquire the lowest energy state.

Now, we will discuss \[s{p^3}{d^2}\] hybridization. In this hybridization, the overlap of s, p, and d orbital takes place to achieve the lowest state of energy. Three numbers of p orbital, one s orbital and two d orbitals undergo overlapping to give \[s{p^3}{d^2}\]hybridization. In this hybridization, six numbers of identical \[s{p^3}{d^2}\]hybrid orbital forms. The positions of these six orbitals are at the corners of an octahedron. And their inclination is at ninety degrees toward each other. Therefore, the octahedral molecular shape is because of the \[s{p^3}{d^2}\]hybridization.
Hence, option B is right.

Additional Information: Also, in the case of \[{d^2}s{p^3}\] hybridization, six numbers of hybrid orbital forms. Here also, one s, two d orbital, and three numbers of p orbitals undergo hybridization to form six \[{d^2}s{p^3}\]hybrid orbital.

Note: Hybridisation also helps to give an idea of the shapes of the molecules. The \[s{p^3}\] hybridization means the shape is tetrahedral if no lone pair is present. The \[s{p^2}\] hybridization means the molecular shape is trigonal planar. And the sp hybridization means the shape is linear.