Hybridization In Summary The concept of hybridization is not applied to isolated atoms.

toms. It is a theoretical model used only to explain covalent bonding. Hybridization is the mixing of at least two non-equivalent atomic orbitals, for example s and p orbitals. Therefore, a hybrid orbital is not a pure atomic orbital. Hybrid orbitals and pure atomic orbitals have very different shapes. The number of hybrid orbitals generated is equal to the number of pure atomic orbitals that participate in the hybridization process Hybridization requires an input of energy; however, the system more than recovers this energy through formation of a bond. Covalent bonds between atoms are formed by the overlap of hybrid orbitals, or the overlap of hybrid orbitals with unhybridized orbitals

Rules For Predicting Hybridization State (of central atoms) For Single Bonded Atoms Count the number of bonds and lone pairs of electrons. This is the number of equivalent hybrid orbitals needed around the central atom.

For Double and Triple Bonded Atoms If the central atom forms a double bond, it is sp2 hybridized (three equivalent hybrid orbitals). If the central atom forms a triple bond, it is sp hybridized (two equivalent hybrid orbitals) If the central atom forms two double bonds, it is sp hybridized Hybridization And Geometry

sp Hybridization
The hybridization of one s orbital and one p orbital on a central atom gives rise to two sp orbitals. Hybridization as sp gives two orbitals, which are in a linear arrangement, that is, 180o apart. An example of sp hybridization is found in HgCl2 (mercury(II) chloride).

sp2 Hybridization
The hybridization of one s orbital and two p orbitals on a central atom gives rise to three sp2 orbitals. Hybridization as sp2 gives three orbitals, which are planar and 120o apart. An example of sp2 hybridization is BCl3.

sp3 Hybridization
The hybridization of one s and all three p orbitals on a central atom gives rise to four sp3 orbitals. Hybridization as sp3 gives four identical orbitals, which are aligned in a tetrahedral configuration and so are

109.5o apart. This very common structure is found in CH4, NH4+, and CCl4; it is the usual hybridization form of singly-bonded carbon atoms in organic compounds.