When $BCl_3$ is treated with water,it hydrolyses and forms $[B(OH)_4]^-$ only,whereas $AlCl_3$ in acidified aqueous solution forms $[Al(H_2O)_6]^{3+}$ ion. Explain what are the hybridizations of boron and aluminum in these species?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) In the trivalent state,most compounds are covalent and undergo hydrolysis in water. For example,trichlorides on hydrolysis in water form tetrahedral $[M(OH)_4]^-$ species; the hybridization state of element $M$ is $sp^3$.
$BCl_3 + 3H_2O \rightarrow B(OH)_3 + 3HCl$
$B(OH)_3 + H_2O \rightarrow [B(OH)_4]^- + H^+$
In $[B(OH)_4]^-$,boron is $sp^3$ hybridized.
Aluminum chloride in acidified aqueous solution forms the octahedral $[Al(H_2O)_6]^{3+}$ ion. In this complex ion,the $3d$-orbitals of $Al$ are involved and the hybridization state of $Al$ is $sp^3d^2$.
$AlCl_3 + 6H_2O \xrightarrow{HCl} [Al(H_2O)_6]^{3+} + 3Cl^-$

Explore More

Similar Questions

The state of hybridisation of $B$ in $BCl_3$ is

What is $sp$ hybridization? Give its characteristics.

Difficult
View Solution

Which one of the following is a planar molecule?

Identify the correct set from the following table:
MoleculeHybridisation of central atomShape
$(a)$ $PCl_5$$dsp^3$square pyramidal
$(b)$ $[Ni(CN)_4]^{2-}$$sp^3$tetrahedral
$(c)$ $SF_6$$sp^3d^2$octahedral
$(d)$ $IF_3$$dsp^3$pyramidal

In which of the following molecules/ions is the central atom $sp^2$ hybridized?

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo