Hybrid Atomic Orbitals: Formation and Classification

Hybridization

Mixing atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals.

sp3 Hybridization

Carbon bonded to four atoms; tetrahedral arrangement.

Methane

Example of sp3 hybridized carbon compound.

Ethane

Another example of sp3 hybridized carbon compound.

sp2 Hybridization

Carbon bonded to three atoms; trigonal planar arrangement.

Acetic Acid

Contains both sp2 and sp3 hybridized carbon.

sp Hybridization

Carbon bonded to two atoms; linear arrangement.

Ethyne

Example of sp hybridized carbon compound.

Carbon Dioxide

Another example of sp hybridized carbon compound.

Nitrogen sp3 Hybridization

Nitrogen with lone pair; trigonal pyramidal geometry.

Ammonia

Example of sp3 hybridized nitrogen compound.

Methylamine

Another example of sp3 hybridized nitrogen compound.

Nitrogen sp2 Hybridization

Nitrogen with two bonds; bent geometry.

Pyridine

Example of sp2 hybridized nitrogen compound.

Oxygen sp3 Hybridization

Oxygen with two bonds; bent geometry.

Water

Example of sp3 hybridized oxygen compound.

Methanol

Another example of sp3 hybridized oxygen compound.

Sulfur sp3 Hybridization

Sulfur with two bonds; similar to oxygen.

Hydrogen Sulfide

Example of sp3 hybridized sulfur compound.

Electron Domains

Regions of electron density around central atom.

Linear Geometry

Two electron domains; 180° bond angle.

Trigonal Planar Geometry

Three electron domains; 120° bond angles.

Tetrahedral Geometry

Four electron domains; 109.5° bond angles.

Trigonal Bipyramidal Geometry

Five electron domains; 90° and 120° angles.

Octahedral Geometry

Six electron domains; 90° bond angles.

Molecular Geometry

Shape of molecule based on bonding and lone pairs.