How to determine Hybridization - s, sp, sp2, and sp3 - Organic Chemistry

More Learning Tutor5 minutes read

Hybridization is determined by the number of groups connected to an element, with one group corresponding to an s orbital, two groups to SP, three groups to SP2, and four groups to SP3. In specific examples, a carbon with three bonds is SP2 hybridized, an oxygen with three bonds is also SP2 hybridized, and in a water molecule, the oxygen is SP3 hybridized while the hydrogen atoms are s hybridized due to being connected to one group.

Insights

  • Hybridization in chemistry is categorized based on the number of groups attached to an element: one group corresponds to an s orbital, two groups to SP, three groups to SP2, and four groups to SP3.
  • Specific examples showcase how carbon with three bonds and oxygen with three bonds are both SP2 hybridized, while in a water molecule, oxygen is SP3 hybridized with four connected groups, and hydrogen atoms are s hybridized with one group each.

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Recent questions

  • What determines hybridization in chemistry?

    The number of groups connected to an element.

  • How is hybridization classified based on bonds?

    One group corresponds to an s orbital, two groups to SP, three groups to SP2, and four groups to SP3.

  • What is the hybridization of a carbon with three bonds?

    SP2 hybridized.

  • In chemistry, what hybridization does an oxygen with three bonds exhibit?

    SP2 hybridized.

  • Why is oxygen in a water molecule SP3 hybridized?

    It is connected to four groups, determining its hybridization.

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Summary

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Hybridization in Chemistry: A Brief Overview

  • Hybridization is determined by the number of groups connected to an element; one group corresponds to an s orbital, two groups to SP, three groups to SP2, and four groups to SP3.
  • Applying this concept to specific examples, a carbon with three bonds is SP2 hybridized, while an oxygen with three bonds is also SP2 hybridized.
  • In a water molecule, the oxygen is SP3 hybridized due to being connected to four groups, while the hydrogen atoms are simply s hybridized as they are each connected to one group.
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