Which of the following molecules has a central atom that is sp3d hybridized?

• A. CO2
• B. CH4
• C. PF5
• D. NH3

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the hybridization of the central atom depends on the number of regions of electron density (bonding and lone pairs) around it.
2. Count the regions of electron density around the central atom in each molecule: CO2, CH4, PF5, and NH3.
3. For CO2, the central atom (C) has two double bonds, so it has 2 regions of electron density, corresponding to sp hybridization.
4. For CH4, the central atom (C) has four single bonds, so it has 4 regions of electron density, corresponding to sp3 hybridization.
5. For PF5, the central atom (P) has five single bonds, so it has 5 regions of electron density, corresponding to sp3d hybridization.