What are the steps associated with the process of constructing a hybrid orbital diagram?
1 Answer
Here are the steps for constructing a hybrid orbital diagram for ethylene.
Step 1. Draw the Lewis structure for the molecule.
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Step 2. Use VSEPR theory to classify and determine the geometry around each central atom.
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Each carbon atom is an AX₃ system, so the geometry is trigonal planar.
Step 3. Determine the hybridization that corresponds to this geometry.
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Trigonal planar geometry corresponds to sp² hybridization.
Step 4. Draw the two carbon atoms side-by-side with their orbitals,
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Step 5. Bring the C atoms and H atoms together to show the overlap of orbitals forming the σ and π bonds.
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Here’s a video on how to draw a hybrid orbital diagram.