In which of the following pairs do both species share the identical hybridization state at the central atom AND the identical molecular geometry?

Step-by-step solution

To find an isostructural and isohybridized pair, we must evaluate both the steric number (SN) and the molecular geometry. For XeF ₂ : SN = 1 2 (8 + 2) = 5 ( sp ^3 d hybridization). It has 2 bond pairs and 3 lone pairs, giving a linear geometry. For I ₃⁻ : The central I atom has SN = 1 2 (7 + 2 + 1) = 5 ( sp ^3 d hybridization). It has 2 bond pairs and 3 lone pairs, also giving a linear geometry. Thus, XeF ₂ and I ₃⁻ have the same hybridization ( sp ^3 d ) and the same shape (linear). Checking other options: SO ₃ (