Physical chemistry
Hybridization and chemical bonding
Orbital hybridization, molecular geometry and electronegativity describe molecular shape and bonding.
Hybrid orbitals are directional combinations of atomic orbitals. VSEPR predicts arrangements of electron domains around a central atom that reduce repulsion.
Geometry and hybrid orbitals
Orbital hybridization, molecular geometry and electronegativity describe molecular shape and bonding.
Definition: Core definition
Electronegativity measures attraction for bonding electron density; a larger difference often increases polarity, without a perfectly sharp ionic boundary.
Example: Worked example
Apply the model to a simple case: Carbon in CH₄ has four equivalent bonding domains: sp³ predicts a tetrahedron. Each C in C₂H₄ is sp², giving a planar framework and one π bond.
Solution
Carbon in CH₄ has four equivalent bonding domains: sp³ predicts a tetrahedron. Each C in C₂H₄ is sp², giving a planar framework and one π bond.
Electronegativity measures attraction for bonding electron density; a larger difference often increases polarity, without a perfectly sharp ionic boundary.
| Quantity | Model / rule |
|---|---|
| Key relation | Orbital hybridization, molecular geometry and electronegativity describe molecular shape and bonding. |
| Meaning / use | Carbon in CH₄ has four equivalent bonding domains: sp³ predicts a tetrahedron. Each C in C₂H₄ is sp², giving a planar framework and one π bond. |
Which hybridization typically describes carbon in CH₄?
Which statement best matches the model described?
References
- Linus Pauling (1960). The Nature of the Chemical Bond