Hybridization: Introduction

What we learned:

• Hybridization is the combination of separate orbitals (typically s and p) to form a lower energy orbital
  • This is the driving force behind hybridization
  • Because hybridized orbitals are low energy orbitals, hybridization is favorable
• Only sigma, valence electrons can hybridize
  • Valence electrons are all of the electrons we see in Lewis structures
• The naming of hybridized orbitals comes from the combination of orbitals used to form the hybridized orbitals
  • For example: in the second electron shell, there is 1, 2s orbital, and 3, 2p orbitals
    • If 1, 2s orbital and 3, 2p orbitals are used, the hybridized orbital will be sp3
    • If 1, 2s orbital and 2, 2p orbitals are used, the hybridized orbital will be sp2
  • It is important to note that the s-orbital of any electron shell will always be involved in hybridization, however not every p-orbital will always be involved in hybridization