electron density in regards to # of hybrid orbitals

[Madelyn Cearlock]

Can someone please explain to me how the # of hybrid orbitals indicates the regions of electron density?

[Chem_Mod]

Regions of electron density dictate what type of hybridization scheme to use.

[RandallNeeDis3K]

Think of it the other way around. The number of electron densities determine the hybridization. For example, 2 e- densities correspond with sp, 3 e- densities correspond with sp2, and so fourth. Keep in mind that once there are 5 e- densities, the hybridization becomes sp3d, or dsp3. We know this from Lewis Structures. Since the Central Atom has an expanded octet (5 e- densities) we know it must use the d-orbital.
Hope this helps!

[Sophie Roberts 1E]

In class today, Professor Lavelle said the number of hybrid orbitals = the number of electron density regions around the central atom.

[Nina Do 4L]

Adding on, your hybridization formula should equal the amount of electron density areas. For example, if your hybridization formula is sp3, then you should have four regions of electron density. 1s+ 3 p3 orbitals= 4 hybrid orbitals = 4 regions of electron density.