Section 7.

2 Visual Summary:
Hybridization Learning Objective: Assign the correct
hybrid orbitals used by each inner atom in a
molecule and the molecular geometry that
results.
Skills to Master: Correlating the steric
number with the electron group geometry,
hybridization, number of hybrid orbitals, and
number of unused p orbitals on an inner
atom.
Key Concepts: The number of hybrid
orbitals generated by the hybridization
process equals the number of valence atomic
orbitals participating in hybridization. The
steric number of an inner atom can be used to
infer the hybrid orbitals it is using.

Copyright ©2021 John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. 1

7.2 Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals
Remember Mendel? He made hybrids of pea plants by mixing
purebreds. We will apply a similar method to atomic orbitals,
first described by Linus Pauling.
• Atomic orbitals can be hybridized to generate a new set of
directional orbitals.
• These mixed orbitals match the orbital geometry of the
compounds.
• Remember, all electrons around the central atom must be in
orbitals --- whether they are nonbonding electrons or
bonding electrons.

Copyright ©2021 John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. 2

s and p Hybridization

Copyright ©2021 John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. 3

Methane Hybridization

Copyright ©2021 John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. 4

Hybridization Model

• The s and all the p orbitals are needed for directional

bonding, therefore, the s and the px, py, and pz hybridize.
• The new orbitals are called sp3. These overlap with the
1s atomic orbitals of the hydrogen atoms to make CH4.

Copyright ©2021 John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. 5

General Features of Hybridization
1. The number of valence orbitals generated by the
hybridization process equals the number of valence atomic
orbitals participating in hybridization.
2. The steric number of an inner atom uniquely determines
the number and type of hybrid orbitals.
3. Hybrid orbitals form localized bonds by overlap with
atomic orbitals or with other hybrid orbitals.
4. There is no need to hybridize orbitals on outer atoms,
because atoms do not have limiting geometries. Hydrogen
always forms localized bonds with its 1s orbital. The bonds
formed by all other outer atoms can be described using
valence p orbitals.
Copyright ©2021 John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. 6
sp2 Hybrid Orbitals
• Mixes an s orbital with two p orbitals (s+p+p) (the
third p-orbital is unchanged!)
• Required by central atoms with steric number of 3
(trigonal planar electron group geometry)

Copyright ©2021 John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. 7

sp Hybrid Orbitals
• Mixes an s orbital with a p orbital (s+p) (the other two
p-orbitals are unchanged!)
• Required by central atoms with steric number of 2
(linear electron group geometry)

Copyright ©2021 John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. 8

sp3d Hybrid Orbitals
• Mixes an s orbital with three p orbitals and a d orbital
(s+p+p+p+d)
• Required by central atoms with steric number of 5
(trigonal bipyramidal electron group geometry)

Copyright ©2021 John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. 9

sp3d2 Hybrid Orbitals
• Mixes an s orbital with three p orbitals and two d
orbitals (s+p+p+p+d+d)
• Required by central atoms with steric number of 6
(octahedral electron group geometry)

Copyright ©2021 John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. 10

Summary of Valence Orbital
Hybridization

Copyright ©2021 John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. 11

Summary of Valence Orbital
Hybridization (contd)

Copyright ©2021 John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. 12

Copyright

Copyright © 2021 John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction or
translation of this work beyond that permitted by Access Copyright (the Canadian
copyright licensing agency) is unlawful. Requests for further information should be
addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. The purchaser
may make back-up copies for his or her own use only and not for distribution or resale.
The author and the publisher assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, or damages
caused by the use of these files or programs or from the use of the information contained
herein.

Copyright ©2021 John Wiley & Sons Canada, Ltd. 13