Question

Why are d orbitals sometimes used to form hybrid orbitals? Which period of elements does not use d orbitals for hybridization? If necessary, which d orbitals (3d, 4d, 5d, or 6d) would sulphur use to form hybrid orbitals requiring d atomic orbitals? Answer the same question for arsenic and for iodine.

Short answer

d-Orbitals are used for the excess electrons. The second period electrons will not use the d- orbitalsSulphur uses 3d orbitals, arsenic uses 4dand iodine uses 5d orbitals.

Step-by-step solution

Reason for using d-orbitals in hybrid orbitals

When the central atom is not following the octet rule, we use d-orbitals. The central atom has more than 8 electrons around it. The d orbitals in hybridization are then used for the arrangement of the excess electrons.

The second period electrons will not use the d- orbitals since they would have not excess electrons in the valence orbital and the second d- orbital does not exist because of higher energy.

d-orbital used in different elements

Sulphur is included in the third period if the central atom contains more than 8 electrons, then it will use the 3d- orbital to be able to undergo hybridization.

For Arsenic, it will use the 4d- orbitals for hybridization.

For iodineit will use the 5d orbitals for hybridization.