Consider the scl2 molecule. (a) what is the electron config- uration of an isolated s atom? (b) what is the electron con- figuration of an isolated cl atom? (c) what hybrid orbitals should be constructed on the s atom to make the s-cl bonds in scl2? (d) what valence orbitals, if any, remain unhybrid- ized on the s atom in scl2?

(a) 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁴

(b) 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁵

(c) sp³

(d) No valence orbital remains unhybridized.

Explanation:

Consider the SCl₂ molecule.

(a) What is the electron configuration of an isolated S atom?

S has 16 electrons. Its electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁴.

(b) What is the electron configuration of an isolated Cl atom?

Cl has 17 electrons. Its electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁵.

(c) What hybrid orbitals should be constructed on the S atom to make the S-Cl bonds in SCl₂?

SCl₂ has a tetrahedral electronic geometry. Therefore, the orbital 3s hybridizes with the 3 orbitals 3 p to form 4 hybrid orbital sp³.

(d) What valence orbitals, if any, remain unhybridized on the S atom in SCl₂?

No valence orbital remains unhybridized.