Question

hello, could you please give me an introduction on hybridization in organic chemistry. I am working on my report and i need some help.

Answer 1

A Shortcut For Determining The Hybridization Of An Atom In A Molecule

Here’s a shortcut for how to determine the hybridization of an atom in a molecule. This will save you a lot of time.

–BEGIN SHORTCUT–

Here’s what you do:

Look at the atom.

Count the number of atoms connected to it (atoms – not bonds!)

Count the number of lone pairs attached to it.

Add these two numbers together.

If it’s 4, your atom is sp3.

If it’s 3, your atom is sp2.

If it’s 2, your atom is sp. 

(If it’s 1, it’s probably hydrogen!)

This works in at least 95% of the cases you will see in Org 1.

–END SHORTCUT–

Table of Contents

Some Simple Worked Examples Of The Hybridization Shortcut

How To Determine Hybridization Of An Atom: Two Exercises

Are There Any Exceptions?

Exception #1: Lone Pairs Adjacent To Pi-bonds

Lone Pairs In P-Orbitals (Versus Hybrid Orbitals) Have Better Orbital Overlap With Adjacent Pi Systems

Exception #2. Geometric Constraints

“Geometry Determines Hybridization, Not The Other Way Around”

Notes

1. Some Simple Worked Examples Of The Hybridization Shortcut

sp3 hybridization: sum of attached atoms + lone pairs = 4