Hybridization
Hybridization is defined as the concept of mixing two atomic orbitals with the same
energy levels to give a degenerated new type of orbitals. This intermixing is based on
quantum mechanics. The atomic orbitals of the same energy level can only take part
in hybridization and both full filled and half-filled orbitals can also take part in this
process, provided they have equal energy.
During the process of hybridization, the atomic orbitals of similar energy are mixed
together such as the mixing of two ‘s’ orbitals or two ‘p’ orbital’s or mixing of an ‘s’
orbital with a ‘p’ orbital or ‘s’ orbital with a ‘d’ orbital.
What is Hybridization?
Redistribution of the energy of orbitals of individual atoms to give orbitals of equivalent
energy happens when two atomic orbitals combine together to form hybrid orbital in a
molecule. This process is called hybridization. The new orbitals thus formed are known
as hybrid orbitals.
Types of Hybridization
Based on the types of orbitals involved in mixing, the hybridization can be classified as
sp3, sp2, sp, sp3d, sp3d2, sp3d3. Let us now discuss the various types of hybridization,
along with their examples.
sp Hybridization
sp hybridization is observed when one s and one p orbital in the same main shell of an
atom mix to form two new equivalent orbitals. The new orbitals formed are called sp
hybridized orbitals. It forms linear molecules with an angle of 180°
This type of hybridization involves the mixing of one ‘s’ orbital and one ‘p’ orbital
of equal energy to give a new hybrid orbital known as an sp hybridized orbital.
sp hybridization is also called diagonal hybridization.
Each sp hybridized orbital has an equal amount of s and p character, i.e., 50% s
and p character.
Examples of sp Hybridization:
All compounds of beryllium like BeF2, BeH2, BeCl2
All compounds of carbon-containing triple Bond like C2H2.
sp2 Hybridization
Hybridization is defined as the concept of mixing two atomic orbitals with the same
energy levels to give a degenerated new type of orbitals. This intermixing is based on
quantum mechanics. The atomic orbitals of the same energy level can only take part
in hybridization and both full filled and half-filled orbitals can also take part in this
process, provided they have equal energy.
During the process of hybridization, the atomic orbitals of similar energy are mixed
together such as the mixing of two ‘s’ orbitals or two ‘p’ orbital’s or mixing of an ‘s’
orbital with a ‘p’ orbital or ‘s’ orbital with a ‘d’ orbital.
What is Hybridization?
Redistribution of the energy of orbitals of individual atoms to give orbitals of equivalent
energy happens when two atomic orbitals combine together to form hybrid orbital in a
molecule. This process is called hybridization. The new orbitals thus formed are known
as hybrid orbitals.
Types of Hybridization
Based on the types of orbitals involved in mixing, the hybridization can be classified as
sp3, sp2, sp, sp3d, sp3d2, sp3d3. Let us now discuss the various types of hybridization,
along with their examples.
sp Hybridization
sp hybridization is observed when one s and one p orbital in the same main shell of an
atom mix to form two new equivalent orbitals. The new orbitals formed are called sp
hybridized orbitals. It forms linear molecules with an angle of 180°
This type of hybridization involves the mixing of one ‘s’ orbital and one ‘p’ orbital
of equal energy to give a new hybrid orbital known as an sp hybridized orbital.
sp hybridization is also called diagonal hybridization.
Each sp hybridized orbital has an equal amount of s and p character, i.e., 50% s
and p character.
Examples of sp Hybridization:
All compounds of beryllium like BeF2, BeH2, BeCl2
All compounds of carbon-containing triple Bond like C2H2.
sp2 Hybridization
