S Character

[005388369]

In one of the homework problems, there is a question asking if a bond angle would increase or decrease as the S character of a hybrid orbital increases? What does the "s character" mean? Can someone explain this please? Thank you

[rabiasumar2E]

S character refers to the contribution of the s-orbital in hybridization. For example in a sp2 notation, there would be 33% s character and 66% p character. In a sp3 notation, there would be 25% s character and 75% p character.

[Rohit Ghosh 4F]

More s-character means that the shape of the orbital would be more similar to the shape of a normal s-orbital.

[Victor James 4I]

so the s-character is a ratio of s orbitals to the other hybridized orbitals?

[Kaitlynn Tran 3F]

so the s-character is a ratio of s orbitals to the other hybridized orbitals?

Yes, it's typically written as a percentage!