Hybridization

[Ryan Troutman 4L]

How do you know when to use sp2 or sp3 when doing hybridization? Can we also use sp4 and sp1?

[becca_vandyke_4b]

The number of hybridized orbitals matches the number of electron density regions in the shape of the molecule. So if there are four electron density regions it could be sp3. I don't think there is such thing as sp4 because the p-orbital only has three sub-orbitals.

[Samantha Kwock 1D]

sp2 orbitals should be used when there are three regions of electron density in a molecule. sp3 orbitals should be used when there are four regions of electron density in a molecule. sp orbitals are used when there are only two regions of electron density. sp4 does not exist, to create five bonding orbitals, the hybridization would be sp3d.

[Henri_de_Guzman_3L]

Remember:
# of hybridized orbitals = # of regions of electron density

[Ryan Troutman 4L]

Thank you all so much! I completely overthought the process of hybridization and you all made it much more simple.