What is the Hybridization of PCl5?

Answer: The hybridization is the combining of two atomic orbitals to create a brand-new category of hybridised orbitals.

Type of hybridization can be calculated by the following formula;

Hybridization = 12(V+M-C+A)

Here,

V = Number of valence electrons

M = Central atom

C = Charge of cation

A = Charge of anion

The given molecule –  PCl5

The central atom – P

Atomic number – 15

Electronic configuration – 1s22s22p63s23p3

Number of valence electrons – 3

Number of cations = 1(P)

Number of anions – 5 (Cl)

Hybridization = 12(V+M-C+A)

= 12(3+1-1+5)

=5

Depending on the numerical values we can determine the hybridization as follows;

Therefore, hybridization of PCl5 is sp3d.