MCQEasyJEE 2024Valence Bond Theory

JEE Chemistry 2024 Question with Solution

Identify from the following species in which d2sp3d^2sp^3 hybridization is shown by the central atom:

  • A

    [Co(NH3)6]3+[\text{Co}(\text{NH}_3)_6]^{3+}

  • B

    BrF5\text{BrF}_5

  • C

    [PtCl4]2[\text{PtCl}_4]^{2-}

  • D

    SF6\text{SF}_6

Answer

Correct answer:A

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given: We need to identify the species in which the central atom shows d2sp3d^2sp^3 hybridization.

Find: The correct option among the given species.

From the solution text:

  • [Co(NH3)6]3+[\text{Co}(\text{NH}_3)_6]^{3+} is octahedral and shows d2sp3d^2sp^3 hybridization.
  • BrF5\text{BrF}_5 shows sp3d2sp^3d^2 hybridization.
  • [PtCl4]2[\text{PtCl}_4]^{2-} shows dsp2dsp^2 hybridization.
  • SF6\text{SF}_6 shows sp3d2sp^3d^2 hybridization.

For [Co(NH3)6]3+[\text{Co}(\text{NH}_3)_6]^{3+}, cobalt is in the +3+3 oxidation state:

Co3+:[Ar]3d6\text{Co}^{3+} : [\text{Ar}]\,3d^6

As stated in the solution, it uses two dd orbitals, one ss orbital, and three pp orbitals to form an octahedral complex, so the hybridization is d2sp3d^2sp^3.

Therefore, the species showing d2sp3d^2sp^3 hybridization is [Co(NH3)6]3+[\text{Co}(\text{NH}_3)_6]^{3+}. The correct option is A.

The second provided approach mentions option label C for the same species, but this conflicts with the listed options; the species itself matches option A, so A is the defensible answer.

Option-wise Elimination

Given: Four species are provided.

Find: Which central atom shows d2sp3d^2sp^3 hybridization.

  1. [Co(NH3)6]3+[\text{Co}(\text{NH}_3)_6]^{3+}
  • Central atom: cobalt in oxidation state +3+3
  • As given in the solution, Co3+\text{Co}^{3+} has configuration [Ar]3d6[\text{Ar}]\,3d^6
  • This complex is octahedral and shows d2sp3d^2sp^3 hybridization
  1. BrF5\text{BrF}_5
  • The solution states bromine has sp3d2sp^3d^2 hybridization
  • Hence it is not d2sp3d^2sp^3
  1. [PtCl4]2[\text{PtCl}_4]^{2-}
  • The solution states platinum shows dsp2dsp^2 hybridization
  • Hence it is not d2sp3d^2sp^3
  1. SF6\text{SF}_6
  • The solution states sulfur shows sp3d2sp^3d^2 hybridization
  • Hence it is not d2sp3d^2sp^3

Only [Co(NH3)6]3+[\text{Co}(\text{NH}_3)_6]^{3+} satisfies the required hybridization. Therefore, the correct option is A.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing d2sp3d^2sp^3 with sp3d2sp^3d^2. Both can correspond to six electron domains, but the question asks specifically for the hybridization notation used for the central atom in the given species. Check the species carefully instead of choosing any octahedral molecule.

  • Assuming every six-coordinate species has the same hybridization label. Coordination compounds like [Co(NH3)6]3+[\text{Co}(\text{NH}_3)_6]^{3+} are treated differently from molecules like SF6\text{SF}_6 and BrF5\text{BrF}_5 in the provided solution. Use the classification given for complexes versus main-group molecules.

  • Ignoring the electron configuration of the metal ion. For [Co(NH3)6]3+[\text{Co}(\text{NH}_3)_6]^{3+}, the solution uses Co3+\text{Co}^{3+} as 3d63d^6. Always determine the oxidation state of the central atom before assigning hybridization.

Practice more Valence Bond Theory questions

Get unlimited AI-adaptive practice, mastery tracking, and an AI tutor that explains every step — free to start.

Related questions