Question

Which one of the following is a hypervalent compound ?



SiO2
PBr3
PCl5
SO2​

Answer 1

Answer:

SO2 is a hypervalent compound

Answer 2

$PCl_5$  is a hypervalent compound.

Explanation:

• A hypervalent compound is a compound in which one or more elements have expanded octet (more than 8 electrons).

Let us look at the given options:

1. $SiO_2:$ Si has four valence electrons and when it bonds with two oxygen atoms it has eight electrons only.
2. $PBr_3:$ P has five valence electrons. After bonding with three Br atoms by single bonds, it has only eight electrons.
3. $PCl_5:$ P has five valence electrons but when it combines with five Cl atoms by single bonds, it has ten electrons. Thus, an expanded octet or $PCl_5$ is a hypervalent compound.
4. $SO_2:$ S has six valence electrons and when it bonds with two oxygen atoms it has eight electrons only.