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Refreshing General Chemistry Why Review General Chemistry? Hybridization

Hybridization

Estimated reading time: 1 min

In this chapter
In this section

Topics

  • sp³
  • sp²
  • sp

What to Focus On

Hybridization and geometry are two sides of the same idea: sp³ carbon is tetrahedral, sp² is trigonal planar, and sp is linear. Being able to assign hybridization by looking at a structure — rather than working through orbital math — is the practical goal.

Figure II.2. sp, sp², and sp³ hybridization alongside the geometry and angle each produces: sp = linear (180°), sp² = trigonal planar (120°), sp³ = tetrahedral (109.5°). ("Hybridization and molecular geometry" by OpenStax, CC BY 4.0, via Chemistry LibreTexts.)
Figure II.2. sp, sp², and sp³ hybridization alongside the geometry and angle each produces: sp = linear (180°), sp² = trigonal planar (120°), sp³ = tetrahedral (109.5°). ("Hybridization and molecular geometry" by OpenStax, CC BY 4.0, via Chemistry LibreTexts.)

This concept appears in the first week of Organic Chemistry I and does not leave. It is worth becoming comfortable with before the course begins.

Why It Matters

Hybridization appears throughout the course and influences molecular geometry and bonding.

Reading

OpenStax Chemistry 2e

Videos

Gentle Exercises

Determine the hybridization of carbon in:

  • Methane
  • Ethene
  • Acetylene