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What are the different types of hybridization of atomic orbitals?

Published in Chemistry 2 mins read

The different types of hybridization of atomic orbitals are sp, sp², sp³, sp³d, and sp³d².

Types of Hybridization

Hybridization is the concept of mixing atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals suitable for the pairing of electrons to form chemical bonds in valence bond theory. The type of hybridization depends on the number and type of atomic orbitals that mix. Here's a breakdown of the main types:

sp Hybridization

  • Description: This type of hybridization involves the mixing of one s orbital and one p orbital.
  • Result: Two sp hybrid orbitals are formed, which are linearly arranged at an angle of 180 degrees.
  • Geometry: Linear
  • Example: Beryllium chloride (BeCl₂) and ethyne (acetylene, C₂H₂)

sp² Hybridization

  • Description: This type involves the mixing of one s orbital and two p orbitals.
  • Result: Three sp² hybrid orbitals are formed, which are arranged in a trigonal planar geometry. One p orbital remains unhybridized and is perpendicular to the plane of the sp² orbitals.
  • Geometry: Trigonal Planar
  • Example: Boron trifluoride (BF₃) and ethene (ethylene, C₂H₄)

sp³ Hybridization

  • Description: This type involves the mixing of one s orbital and three p orbitals.
  • Result: Four sp³ hybrid orbitals are formed, which are arranged in a tetrahedral geometry.
  • Geometry: Tetrahedral
  • Example: Methane (CH₄) and water (H₂O)

sp³d Hybridization

  • Description: This type involves the mixing of one s orbital, three p orbitals, and one d orbital.
  • Result: Five sp³d hybrid orbitals are formed, which are arranged in a trigonal bipyramidal geometry.
  • Geometry: Trigonal Bipyramidal
  • Example: Phosphorus pentachloride (PCl₅)

sp³d² Hybridization

  • Description: This type involves the mixing of one s orbital, three p orbitals, and two d orbitals.
  • Result: Six sp³d² hybrid orbitals are formed, which are arranged in an octahedral geometry.
  • Geometry: Octahedral
  • Example: Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆)

In summary, the different types of hybridization lead to different molecular geometries, which in turn influence the properties of molecules.