ClO3+: Hybrid Orbital of Chlorine Atom

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SUMMARY

The hybrid orbital of the chlorine atom in the ClO3+ ion is determined to be sp2 hybridized, with two single bonds and one double bond formed with oxygen atoms. The oxidation state of chlorine in ClO3+ is +7, calculated using the formula: oxidation state of Cl + 3 x (-2 for O) = +1. The discussion highlights confusion regarding the interpretation of formal charges and the octet rule, emphasizing the complexity of Lewis structures and hybridization for students new to these concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lewis structures and formal charges
  • Knowledge of hybridization concepts, specifically sp2 and sp3d
  • Familiarity with oxidation states and their calculations
  • Basic principles of molecular geometry and bonding
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of formal charges in Lewis structures
  • Learn about hybridization types, focusing on sp2 and sp3d
  • Research the octet rule and its exceptions in molecular compounds
  • Explore advanced bonding theories, including p-d pi bonding
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, educators teaching molecular structure, and anyone interested in understanding hybridization and oxidation states in complex ions.

MarkL
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Decribe the hybrid orbital on the chlorine atom for ClO3+ ion.

The book says sp2 hybrid with double bonds on each O.

But it seems like:
1) Cl should donate 2 electrons to 2 O's
2) lose 1 electron for + charge on ion.
3) form two singles and one double bond with the O's

From this I get sp2 hybrid.

or

1) Cl lose 1 electron for + charge on ion.
2) then sp3d for 3 bonds with O's

Where am I going wrong, please?
 
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What is the oxidation state of Cl in the compound? If you know it draw the electron dot diagram dot for it and start adding oxygens. Assume that all oxygens are at -2 valence.
 
Thank you.

Do you mean oxidation #?

(# for Cl) + 3 x ( -2 for O) = +1 => oxidation # for Cl = +7

Sorry, but you're losing me here. Doesn't Lewis diagram = formal charges?

I just started learning a week ago, so I don't know.

Book says: O::Cl::O ( ion = +1 ) actually, book puts +1 over Cl
::
O ( this goes under Cl )
notice the octet rule is broken

I say: O:Cl:O ( ion = +1 ) octet rule is satisfied
::
O ( this goes under Cl )
 
I am learning form Oxtoby, Chap 16, prob. 19
 
MarkL, given your short exposure to these topics, your proposed structure is perfectly understandable. However there are complex ideas with this ion.

Compare the formal charges for the book's structure vs your proposed structure. Then yes, Lewis structure = formal charge.

IMHO this is not an ideal question to give to students just learning about Lewis structure and hybridization - I think it would have been best left just to ask what the preferred Lewis structure would be (using formal charge) and not ask for the hybridization.

The +1 given in the book's solution is confusing and ambiguous as it can be interpreted as the overall charge or formal charge.
Also it presumes that the student is familiar with why atoms can violate the octet rule in some species.

I'm not familiar with Oxtoby, but the book does give the correct hybridization but leaves the student confused as to how to explain the extra double bonds with the other oxygens. (p-d pi bonding --> I've only seen this discussed in advanced inorganic courses)
 
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