VBT theory predict Hybridization OR derive Hybridization from VSEPR theory VBT explains bonding with respect to VSEPR - it didn't expect Hybridization H2O SP3 due to vespr not vbt expect second why there is no Hybridization in HF for VBT explaination ?

1 Answer
Dec 12, 2017

Here's my answer to what I think you are asking.

Explanation:

Valence bond theory

Valence Bond (VB) theory is based on valence electrons. We use it it help determine the structure of a molecule.

We start with the Lewis structure of a molecule and then explain the formation of bonds by the overlap of atomic orbitals.

If our use of simple atomic orbitals does not explain the observed shape of a molecule, we then resort to the concept of hybridized atomic orbitals.

VB theory and #"HF"#

The Lewis structure of #"HF"# is

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The electron configuration of #"H"# is #"1s"#, and the valence electron configuration of #"F"# is #"[He] 2s"^2"2p"_text(x)^2"2p"_text(y)^2"2p"_text(z)#.

Thus, we explain the #"H-F"# bond formation by the overlap of the hydrogen #"1s"# orbital with the half-filled fluorine #"2p"# orbital to form a σ bond.

chem.libretexts.org

Since there are only two atoms, the molecule is linear, and we don't have to use hybridization to explain its shape.

VB theory and #"H"_2"O"#

The Lewis structure of #"H"_2"O"# is

opentextbc.ca

The valence electron configuration of #"O"# is #"[He] 2s"^2"2p"_text(x)^2"2p"_text(y)"2p"_text(z)#.

Thus, we could explain the #"OH"# bond formation by the overlap of the hydrogen #"1s"# orbital with the half-filled oxygen #"2p"# orbitals to form two σ bonds.

The problem is that this predicts the #"H-O-H"# bond angle to be 90°, and the observed bond angle is 104.5 °.

www.benjamin-mills.com

VSEPR theory gives a better prediction of the bond angle.

The four electron pairs repel each other to the four corners of a tetrahedron, for which the theoretical bond angle is 109.5°.

wps.prenhall.com

The four hybridized #"sp"^3# orbitals also predict a bond angle of 109.5°.

We explain the 5° difference from theoretical as resulting from repulsion by the lone pair electrons.