How do you know the hybrid orbitals of a compound? For example, what are the hybrid orbitals of #CH_2Cl_2#, #C_2H_4#, and #C_2H_2#?

1 Answer
Dec 29, 2016

The hybrid orbitals in #"CH"_2"Cl"_2, "C"_2"H"_4#, and #"C"_2"H"_2# are #"sp"^3, "sp"^2^#, and #"sp"#, respectively.

Explanation:

In each case, you must draw the Lewis structure, determine the VSEPR geometry, and then assign the corresponding hybridization.

#"CH"_2"Cl"_2#:

The Lewis structure of #"CH"_2"Cl"_2# is

web.chem.ucla.edu

There are four electron domains around the carbon atom, do the electron geometry is tetrahedral.

o.quizlet.com

The hybridization that corresponds to a tetrahedral geometry is #"sp"^3#.

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#"C"_2"H"_4#:

The Lewis structure of #"C"_2"H"_4# is

nonsibihighschool.org

There are three electron domains around each carbon atom, so the electron geometry is trigonal planar.

employees.csbsju.edu

The hybridization that corresponds to a trigonal planar geometry is #"sp"^2#.

www.wonderwhizkids.com

#bb"sp"#

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

figures.boundless-cdn.com

There are two electron domains around each carbon atom, so the electron geometry is linear.

koofers-static.s3.amazonaws.com

The hybridization that corresponds to a trigonal planar geometry is #"sp"#.

sp
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