The central atom in IOF3 is iodine (I). To predict the shape and hybridization of the central atom, we can use the VSEPR (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion) theory. This theory states that electron pairs around the central atom repel each other, and the shape of the molecule is determined by minimizing this electron pair repulsion.

Shape:
1. Start by drawing the Lewis structure of IOF3, where I is the central atom and O and F are the surrounding atoms.
2. The Lewis structure of IOF3 shows that there are three fluorine atoms bonded to the central iodine atom.
3. Since there are no lone pairs on the central atom, the molecular geometry will be the same as the electron pair geometry.
4. According to VSEPR theory, the three bonding pairs of electrons around iodine will be arranged in a trigonal planar geometry.
5. Therefore, the shape of IOF3 is trigonal planar.

Hybridization:
1. The hybridization of the central atom is determined by the number of electron regions around it.
2. In IOF3, there are three bonding pairs of electrons around iodine, resulting in three electron regions.
3. The electron regions will be arranged in a trigonal planar geometry.
4. To accommodate these electron regions, the iodine atom undergoes sp2 hybridization.
5. In sp2 hybridization, one s orbital and two p orbitals of iodine hybridize to form three sp2 hybrid orbitals.
6. These sp2 hybrid orbitals are oriented in a trigonal planar arrangement around the central iodine atom.
7. Each sp2 hybrid orbital of iodine overlaps with an orbital from the fluorine atom to form a sigma bond.
8. Therefore, the central iodine atom in IOF3 undergoes sp2 hybridization.

In summary, the shape of IOF3 is trigonal planar, and the central iodine atom is sp2 hybridized.