What is the hybridization of the central atom in the iodine pentafluoride (IF_5) molecule?

• A. sp^3d
• B. sp^3
• C. sp^3d^2
• D. sp^2

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the central atom in the molecule IF_5, which is iodine (I).
2. Determine the number of valence electrons on the central iodine atom. Iodine is in group 17, so it has 7 valence electrons.
3. Count the number of atoms bonded to iodine and any lone pairs on iodine. IF_5 has 5 fluorine atoms bonded to iodine, and since iodine has 7 valence electrons, after forming 5 bonds, 2 electrons remain as a lone pair.
4. Calculate the steric number, which is the sum of bonded atoms and lone pairs around the central atom: 5 bonded atoms + 1 lone pair = 6.
5. Use the steric number to determine the hybridization. A steric number of 6 corresponds to an sp^3d^2 hybridization for the central atom.