What is the hybridization of Te in TeCl⁶

d: sp³d²

Concept Behind Hybridization:

In TeCl₆, tellurium (Te) is in the center of a molecule surrounded by six chlorine atoms. To form six bonds with the chlorine atoms, tellurium needs six hybrid orbitals. The six hybrid orbitals are formed by the combination of one s orbital, three p orbitals, and two d orbitals.

Hence, the hybridization of Te is sp³d².

Key Points:

• sp³d² hybridization occurs when there are six bonds, which requires the use of d orbitals.
• The geometry of TeCl₆ is octahedral, which corresponds to sp³d² hybridization.