Question

What is hybridization in organic chemistry?

Answer 1

hybridization is the combining of different types of orbitals

Explanation:

The hybridization of different types of orbitals allows the the atom to form more bonds and bonds that are more equal. This results in a more stable molecule.

Answer 2

Hybridization is the mixing of atomic orbitals to form new orbitals with different energies and shapes than the original orbitals.

Explanation:

Hybrid orbitals are mixtures of atomic orbitals in various proportions.

For example, the hybrid orbitals on the `"C"` atom of methane consist of one-fourth `"s"` character and three-fourths `"p"` character.

We say they are `"sp"^3` ("s-p-three") hybridized.

The four new hybridized orbitals have both `"s"` and `"p"` character.

The dumbbell shape reflects the `"p"` character and (despite the picture) the big lobe is nearly spherical like an `"s"` orbital.

The new orbitals all have the same energy but they point in different directions (towards the corners of a tetrahedron).

This leads to the most stable molecules when the `"C"` atom forms bonds to four other atoms.