Orbitals Hybridization and Biological Reactivity

Orbitals hybridization

Mixing atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals.

Hybrid orbitals

Created to increase valence number for reactivity.

Expanded valence

Higher number of available bonding electrons.

Molecular geometry

Shape of molecules determined by orbital properties.

sp hybridization

One s and one p orbital combine; example: BeCl2.

sp2 hybridization

One s and two p orbitals combine; example: BF3.

sp3d hybridization

Three p and one d orbital combine; example: P.

Phosphorus (P)

Can share five covalent bonds due to hybridization.

Phosphate (PO4)

Essential for linking nucleotides in DNA/RNA.

Phosphodiester bond

Covalent bond linking nucleotides in nucleic acids.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

Main energy currency in biological processes.

Anhydride bond

Type of bond in ATP providing energy.

Carbon (C)

Can undergo sp, sp2, or sp3 hybridization.

Chemical versatility

Carbon's ability to form diverse compounds.

Hydroxyapatite crystals

Calcium and phosphorus compound in bones.

Valence electrons

Electrons available for bonding in an atom.

Ground state

Lowest energy state of an atom's electrons.

Aufbau principle

Electrons fill orbitals starting from lowest energy.

Covalent bonds

Bonds formed by sharing electron pairs.

Biological processes

Life functions dependent on chemical reactions.

Reactivity of elements

Influenced by orbital hybridization and valence.

Unique hybridization

Allows elements like carbon to form various compounds.