predicting hybridization

Question

For the following structure, predict the hybridization about the central atom. Use superscripts as needed.

X---Y---X

*Y has 6 lone pairs

Answer 1

There are several ways to predict hybridization of the central atom from the Lewis dot structure. One is to use the steric number, which is the number of boned atoms plus the number of lone pairs. Another way to look at this is to look for the number of electron rich areas. In either case, for the example given, the steric number is 5. That assumes you meant Y has 3 lone pairs i.e. 6 lone electrons. This predicts a hybridization that is dsp³or sp³d. You have to memorize these types of thing. You can also memorize the various electron geometries and predict hybridization from that.