Chapter 10, Problem 10.33QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The change in hybridization of $\text{Al}$ when ${\text{AlCl}}_3$ is converted to ${\text{AlCl}}_{\text{4}}{}^{-}$ has to be described.

Concept Introduction:

Hybridization is a hypothetical concept.  It refers to overlapping of atomic orbitals and the resultant orbitals formed are known as hybrid orbitals. An orbital that doesn’t involve in hybridization is termed as unhybridized orbital. After hybridization, the orbitals cannot be distinguished individually.  The orientation of the orbitals while overlapping impacts the nature of the bond forms.

A bond between two atoms is known as sigma bond if the atomic orbitals of the atoms overlap end to end – it is also called head on overlapping.  A bond is said to pi bond if it is formed by sideways overlapping of atomic orbitals of the atoms.