What is hybridization in chemistry?

Hybridization is the mixing of atomic orbitals (s, p, d) to form new equivalent hybrid orbitals, explaining molecular geometry and bond properties.

What are the main types of hybridization?

The main types are sp (linear), sp2 (trigonal planar), sp3 (tetrahedral), sp3d (trigonal bipyramidal), and sp3d2 (octahedral).

What is the bond angle in sp3 hybridization?

In sp3 hybridization, the bond angle is approximately 109.5°, giving a tetrahedral geometry.

Why does hybridization occur?

Hybridization occurs to form equivalent bonds, maximize orbital overlap, and explain molecular shapes observed experimentally.

What are the limitations of hybridization?

Hybridization is qualitative, does not explain magnetic properties, delocalized bonding, and is less effective for transition metal complexes.

Hybridization

Hybridization is a concept in chemistry where atomic orbitals mix to form new equivalent orbitals called hybrid orbitals. These hybrid orbitals explain molecular shapes and bonding properties more accurately than simple atomic orbitals.

What is Hybridization?

When atoms form covalent bonds, their atomic orbitals (s, p, d) combine or “hybridize” to create orbitals that are equal in energy (degenerate) and directed in specific geometries matching the observed molecular shapes.

Types of Hybridization

sp: Linear geometry, 180°. Example: BeCl₂, C₂H₂.
sp²: Trigonal planar, 120°. Example: BF₃, C₂H₄.
sp³: Tetrahedral, 109.5°. Example: CH₄, NH₃.
sp³d: Trigonal bipyramidal, 90°/120°. Example: PCl₅.
sp³d²: Octahedral, 90°. Example: SF₆.

Hybridization and Molecular Geometry

Hybridization	Orbitals	Geometry	Bond Angle	Examples
sp	2	Linear	180°	BeCl₂, C₂H₂
sp²	3	Trigonal planar	120°	BF₃, C₂H₄
sp³	4	Tetrahedral	109.5°	CH₄, NH₃, H₂O
sp³d	5	Trigonal bipyramidal	90°, 120°	PCl₅
sp³d²	6	Octahedral	90°	SF₆

Limitations of Hybridization

Qualitative model, no exact energy values.
Cannot explain magnetic behavior.
Fails for delocalized electrons (e.g., benzene).
Not always applicable to transition metal complexes.

Quiz: Test Your Understanding

What is hybridizations and why does it occur?
What is the geometry and bond angle for sp³ hybridizations?
Give an example of a molecule with sp² hybridizations.
How many hybrid orbitals are formed in sp³d hybridization?
List one limitation of the hybridization concept.

Answers

Hybridizations is orbital mixing to form equivalent orbitals, explaining molecular shapes and bonding.
Tetrahedral geometry, ~109.5°.
BF₃ (boron trifluoride).
Five hybrid orbitals.
It is qualitative and cannot explain all properties.

MCQs

Which molecule shows sp hybridizations?
a) CH₄ b) BeCl₂ c) NH₃ d) H₂O
✅ Correct: b) BeCl₂ (linear, 180°)
Bond angle in sp² hybridization?
a) 90° b) 120° c) 109.5° d) 180°
✅ Correct: b) 120°
Which has sp³d² hybridization?
a) SF₆ b) BF₃ c) NH₃ d) C₂H₂
✅ Correct: a) SF₆ (octahedral, 90°)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is hybridizations?
A: Mixing of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals, explaining bonding and geometry.

Q2: What is the bond angle in sp³?
A: Approximately 109.5°.

Q3: Which molecule has trigonal planar geometry?
A: BF₃.

Learn more: Orbital Hybridization (Wikipedia) |