Question

Is there a change in hybridization of the Al atom in the reaction: `AlCl_3 + Cl^(-) -> AlCl_4^-`?

Answer 1

The aluminum species accepts electron density from the chloride ion, and can be described as `sp^3` hybridized.

Explanation:

Before the reaction, the metal centre could be described as `sp^2` hybridized, and trigonal planar in structure. Much of the chemistry of aluminum can be described in terms of the metal filling its vacant `p` orbital to give a `sp^3` description.

What is the new geometry about `Al`??