Question

In $$Cl{O}_2$$ , unpaired electrons reside in:
A.$$s{p}^2$$ Hybridised orbital
B.$$s{p}^3$$ Hybridised orbital
C.P orbital
D.D orbital

Answer 1

Hint: Hybridization is necessary to understand the types of bonds that the bonding atoms form. Hybridization translates into formation of hybrid orbitals with lower energy levels that the parent orbitals. This enables the bond to be more stable because of the low energy profile.

Complete Step-by-Step Answer:
Before we move forward with the solution of the given question, let us first understand some important basic concepts.
Hybridization can be understood as mixing of orbitals of a given chemical species to form new orbitals. These new orbitals are known as hybrid orbitals. These newly formed hybrid orbitals have different energy levels, shapes, etc. as compared to the original orbitals it is made from.
Now, we can determine the hybridization of a molecule on the basis of its Lewis structure. In order to do that, we must follow these steps:
1.Select the atom we need to determine the hybridization for.
2.Count the number of atoms that are bonded to this atom.
3.Then count the number of lone pairs present on the given atom
4.Add these two values and cross check with the data below:

a.If the sum is 2, then the hybridization is sp.

b.If the sum is 3, then the hybridization is $$s{p}^2$$

c.If the sum is 4, then the hybridization is $$s{p}^3$$

Moving to the question, the Lewis structure for $$Cl{O}_2$$ can be given as:

We can observe that there are 2 atoms attached to the chlorine atoms. Also, there is 1 lone pair and 1 single electron present on the oxygen atom. If we add these numbers, the sum turns out to be 4. Hence, the hybridization of the oxygen atom in $$Cl{O}_2$$ is $$s{p}^3$$ .
Hence, in $$Cl{O}_2$$ , unpaired electrons reside in $$s{p}^3$$ Hybridised orbital
Hence, Option B is the correct option

Note: Hybridization lets us explain the valence shell electron pair repulsion theory. This theory helps us to predict the geometrical structures of individual molecules on the basis of the number of pairs of electrons that surround the central atoms.