How to determine hybridization sp, sp2, sp3

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how to determine hybridization sp, sp2, sp3

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How to Determine Hybridization sp, sp2, sp3

Answer: Determining the hybridization of an atom involves understanding how atomic orbitals mix to form new hybrid orbitals. The hybridization of an atom can be determined by looking at its steric number, which is the sum of the number of atoms bonded to it and the number of lone pairs of electrons. Here’s how to identify each type:

1. sp Hybridization

  • Identification: Occurs when there are two groups (bonds or lone pairs) around the central atom.
  • Shape: Linear.
  • Example: Consider BeCl(_2). Beryllium forms two single bonds with chlorine atoms, with no lone pairs, giving it a steric number of 2.

2. sp(^2) Hybridization

  • Identification: Happens when there are three groups (bonds or lone pairs) around the central atom.
  • Shape: Trigonal planar.
  • Example: In BF(_3), boron forms three single bonds with fluorine atoms, with no lone pairs, resulting in a steric number of 3.

3. sp(^3) Hybridization

  • Identification: Exists when there are four groups (bonds or lone pairs) around the central atom.
  • Shape: Tetrahedral.
  • Example: Methane (CH(_4)) shows carbon with four single bonds to hydrogen atoms, with no lone pairs, leading to a steric number of 4.

Steps to Determine Hybridization:

  1. Count Bonds and Lone Pairs: Identify how many atoms are bonded to the central atom and count any lone pairs of electrons.
  2. Calculate the Steric Number: Add the number of bonded atoms to the number of lone pairs.
  3. Match to Hybridization:
    • Steric number 2: sp
    • Steric number 3: sp(^2)
    • Steric number 4: sp(^3)

Examples for Practice:

  • Water (H(_2)O): Oxygen is bonded to two hydrogens and has two lone pairs. Steric number = 2 (bonds) + 2 (lone pairs) = 4 → sp(^3).
  • Carbon Dioxide (CO(_2)): Carbon is bonded to two oxygen atoms, with no lone pairs. Steric number = 2 → sp.

Summary: Determine the hybridization by calculating the steric number of the central atom, which reveals the mixing of orbitals. Hybridization affects molecular shape and bonding properties.