Is the Hybridisation of Manganese in MnO4- Really sp3?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the hybridization of manganese in the permanganate ion (MnO4-), focusing on the electronic configuration of manganese and the implications for bonding. Participants explore theoretical models, including Valence Bond theory and the role of d-orbitals in bonding, as well as the potential for resonance structures.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the hybridization of manganese in MnO4- should be d2sp based on the electronic configuration and bonding requirements, questioning the validity of the sp3 designation.
  • Another participant argues that d, s, and p orbitals are nearly degenerate and that electrons may distribute to minimize energy, implying that hybridization may not be the best model for describing bonding in MnO4-.
  • There is a discussion about the possibility of d-orbital electrons forming sigma bonds, with a participant questioning why they would need to jump to p-orbitals to bond.
  • One participant mentions the potential use of sd3 orbitals as an alternative to sp3, indicating that current descriptions of transition metal complexes may be outdated and lacking in recent calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the hybridization of manganese in MnO4-, with no consensus reached on the appropriateness of sp3 versus d2sp or other hybridization models. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to describe the bonding in this ion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the description of bonding may depend on resonance structures and that the traditional hybridization model may not adequately capture the complexity of the bonding in transition metal complexes like MnO4-.

jd12345
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What is the hybridisation of manganese in MnO4-
Configuration of manganese in 3d5 4s2 right? The paired electrons in 4s become unpaired - electron frm it jumps into the 4p orbital
So now configuration looks like this - 3d5 4s1 4p1
Now manganese forms 4 sigma bonds and 3 pibonds so the hybridisation should be d2sp and the three d-orbitals form pi bonds
But apparently this is not the case - hybridisation is sp3
I don't understand how - it doesn't even have 3 unpaired electrons in p-orbital
Do the electrons from d-orbital jump to the p-orbital?? But why should they?
 
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Why shouldn't they jump to the p orbitals. All d, s and p orbitals are nearly degenerate energetically and the electrons distribute so as to minimize energy. You also did take it as granted that the s electron may jump to a p orbital.
The problem is that when you want to describe bonding in MnO4- by Valence Bond theory you do have to consider resonance between dosens of structures, not only one. Many of them being ionic ones with electrons jumping from Mn to O or the other way round.
In this situation, it is hardly useful any more to use hybridized orbitals.
Promoting d electrons to the p orbitals and forming then sp3 hybrids is maybe a possible first approximation. Then you get at least the sigma bonds to the O atoms and you can use the d orbitals for pi bonding.
 
Yeah - but can't the d-orbital electrons form the sigma bond
Why do they jump to the p-orbital(increase their energy) and then bond.
They could have stayed in the d-orbital and 2 electrons could have formed sigma bond and other 3 pi bond
 
You can also use sd3 orbitals or something in between sp3 and sd3. However, this is all quite speculative. However I would like to see a calculation from the last 30 years at least for confirmation and there is very little available. I would consider this kind of description of transition metal complexes as quite outdated.
 
@ DrDu
Sorry i didnt understand - what is outdated?
 

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