Expanded Octet Hybridizations

[005199750]

Why must we use d orbitals in the hybridization of atoms with expanded octets?

[timothy_ho_4B]

In general, we use the d orbitals for expanded octets because using s and p orbitals, you can only reach a maximum of 8 electrons, which is an octet. So we use d orbitals for when molecules have an expanded octet. In hybridization, we use d orbitals when s and p orbitals aren't enough for all the valence electrons.

[Mark 1D]

because d orbitals allow those elements to have expanded octets so hybridization can show the d along with the s and p orbitals due to the large amount of valence electrons