Which of the following hybridization schemes allows the central atom to form more than four bonds?

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

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the number of bonds an atom can form is related to the number of available hybrid orbitals, which depends on the hybridization scheme.
2. Understand that the hybridization types sp, sp^2, and sp^3 correspond to the mixing of s and p orbitals only, resulting in 2, 3, and 4 hybrid orbitals respectively, thus allowing up to 2, 3, or 4 bonds.
3. Recognize that to form more than four bonds, the central atom must involve d orbitals in the hybridization, which expands the number of hybrid orbitals beyond four.
4. Identify that the hybridization scheme sp^3d includes one s orbital, three p orbitals, and one d orbital, resulting in 5 hybrid orbitals and allowing the central atom to form up to 5 bonds.
5. Therefore, conclude that hybridizations involving d orbitals, such as sp^3d or sp^3d^2, enable the central atom to form more than four bonds.