Which of the following molecules has a central atom that is sp3d2 hybridized?

• A. CO2
• B. SF6
• C. NH3
• D. PCl5

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the central atom in each molecule and determine its number of electron domains (bonding and lone pairs) to understand its steric number.
2. Recall that sp3d2 hybridization corresponds to a steric number of 6, meaning the central atom has six regions of electron density around it.
3. Analyze CO2: The central atom is carbon, which forms two double bonds and has no lone pairs, giving it a steric number of 2, so it is sp hybridized.
4. Analyze NH3: The central atom is nitrogen, which has three single bonds and one lone pair, giving it a steric number of 4, so it is sp3 hybridized.
5. Analyze PCl5 and SF6: PCl5 has five bonding pairs (steric number 5, sp3d hybridization), while SF6 has six bonding pairs (steric number 6), indicating sp3d2 hybridization for SF6.