Question

The change in hybridisation (if any) of the 'Al' atom in the following reaction is
AlCl₃ + Cl^- → AlCl₄^-

• A. sp² to sp³
• B. sp³ to sp^d
• C. sp³ to sp²
• D. No change in the hybridisation state

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In the reaction \( \text{AlCl}_{3} + \text{Cl}^{-} \rightarrow \text{AlCl}_{4}^{-} \), the Al atom in \( \text{AlCl}_{3} \) initially has an sp² hybridisation as it is bonded to three chloride ions. When a chloride ion \( \text{Cl}^{-} \) is added, the Al atom undergoes hybridisation change from sp² to sp³ as it now forms four bonds, resulting in the formation of the tetrahedral complex \( \text{AlCl}_{4}^{-} \).