Question

The type of hybrid orbitals used by iodine atom in hypoiodous acid molecule are

• A. $s{p}^3$
• B. $s{p}^2$
• C. $sp$
• D. $s{p}^{3}d$

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Word 'hypo' reveals that in it I is in $+1$ oxidation state, ie, it is iodous (I) acid or HOI. In HOI,
number of hybrid orbitals
$=\frac{1}{2}[7+1-0+0]=4$
$\therefore$ In it, iodine atom uses $s{p}^3$ hybrid orbitals.