What is the hybridization of the central atom in BH_3?

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

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the central atom in BH\_3, which is boron (B).
2. Determine the number of valence electrons around the central atom. Boron has 3 valence electrons.
3. Count the number of atoms bonded to the central atom and any lone pairs on it. Boron is bonded to 3 hydrogen atoms and has no lone pairs.
4. Use the steric number (number of bonded atoms + lone pairs) to determine the hybridization. Here, the steric number is 3 (3 bonds + 0 lone pairs).
5. Recall that a steric number of 3 corresponds to sp\^2 hybridization, meaning the central atom uses one s orbital and two p orbitals to form three sp\^2 hybrid orbitals.