What is hybridization in organic chemistry?

2 Answers
Oct 5, 2016

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.

Nov 16, 2016

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.

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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.