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"The sum of the number of atoms bonded to a central atom and the number of lone pairs formed by its nonbonding valence electrons is known as the central atom's steric number."

Wikipedia's entry about "Steric number"

I just started learning hybridisation and stuff for fun, and I just found out this "oddity".

Buttonwood
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Chrizx
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1 Answers1

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The steric number of $\ce{ClF_5}$ is 6, and this is possible because $\ce{sp^3}$ hybridization is not the maximum, or the 'limit' to hybridization. In the case of $\ce{ClF_5}$ the hybridization is $\ce{sp^3d^2}$, the hybridization involving the $\ce{3s}$, $\ce{3p}$ and $\ce{3d}$ orbitals.

MOT

Image credits: https://techiescientist.com/clf5-lewis-structure/

m-Xylene
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    3d orbitals are not involved in bonding in ClF5. The best representation is partial covalent bonds (ie bond order <1) combined with ionic interactions. – Andrew Aug 28 '21 at 15:38
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    Supporting @Andrew see https://chemistry.stackexchange.com/questions/4760/why-do-compounds-like-sf6-and-sf4-exist-but-sh6-and-sh4-dont/49844#49844 – Ian Bush Aug 28 '21 at 18:46
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    https://chemistry.stackexchange.com/q/76726/4945 – Martin - マーチン Aug 29 '21 at 14:44