Hybridization and Molecular Shapes

A set of vocabulary flashcards focusing on hybridization, molecular shapes, and related concepts in chemistry.

Hybridization

A process whereby atomic orbitals of different energy combine to form new hybrid orbitals.

sp hybridization

Occurs when one s orbital mixes with one p orbital, resulting in linear molecular geometry.

sp² hybridization

Involves one s orbital and two p orbitals, resulting in trigonal planar geometry.

sp³ hybridization

Combines one s orbital with three p orbitals, resulting in tetrahedral geometry.

Bond angle in sp hybridization

180 degrees.

Bond angle in sp² hybridization

120 degrees.

Bond angle in sp³ hybridization

Approximately 109.5 degrees.

Types of Hybridization

Includes sp, sp², sp³, sp³d, and sp³d² based on the number of orbitals mixed.

Trigonal bipyramidal geometry

Occurs in sp³d hybridization, bond angles are 90 and 120 degrees.

Octahedral geometry

Occurs in sp³d² hybridization, with bond angles of 90 degrees.

Examples of Hybridization

Examples include C₂H₄ (sp²), CH₄ (sp³), and CO₂ (sp).

Covalent bond formation

Involves hybridized orbitals lining up to form sigma and pi bonds.

Sigma bond

A single bond formed by the head-on overlap of atomic orbitals.

Pi bond

A bond formed by the side-on overlap of p orbitals.

VSEPR Theory

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory, used to predict molecular shapes based on electron repulsion.

Amphoteric compounds

Compounds that can act as both acids and bases.

Electron affinity

The energy change when an electron is added to a gaseous atom.

Electronegativity

The ability of an atom in a molecule to attract shared electrons towards itself.

Disproportionation reaction

A reaction where one species is oxidized while another is reduced.

Transition metals

Elements that have partially filled d orbitals that can form stable ions.

Paramagnetic substances

Substances that are attracted to a magnetic field due to unpaired electrons.

Diamagnetic substances

Substances that are not attracted to a magnetic field and have all paired electrons.