Hybridization of CH4 (Methane)

In order to understand the hybridization of CH₄ (methane), we have to take a look at the atomic orbitals which are of different shape and energy that take part in the process. The type of hybridization involved with CH4 is sp³. We will discuss in detail how this hybridization occurs below.

What is the Hybridization of Methane?

When we talk about CH4 it is basically a combination of 1 carbon and 4 hydrogen atoms. However, to form this compound the central atom carbon which has 4 valence electrons obtain more electrons from 4 hydrogen atoms to complete its octet. When the electrons are shared between carbon and hydrogen there is a formation of a covalent bond or bonds to be more accurate.

Now coming to the hybridization of methane, the central atom carbon is sp³ hybridized. This is because one 2s orbital and three 2p orbitals in the valence shell of carbon combine to form four sp³ hybrid orbitals which are of equal energy and shape. Further, four H atoms also use these four sp³ hybrid orbitals of carbon to form C-H sigma bonds which ultimately leads to the formation of the methane molecule.

Important Points To Remember

• Each sp³ hybrid orbital of carbon overlaps 1s-orbital of hydrogen to C-H sigma bonds.
• The hybridization involves the mixing of 1 s orbital and 3 p orbitals and there are no lone pairs.
• The sp³ hybrid orbitals are of equal energy and shape. They contain one unpaired electron each.

CH₄ Molecular Geometry And Bond Angles

We have already discussed the bond formation and hybridization process above. Determining CH₄ molecular geometry should be easier. In methane, the four hybrid orbitals are located in such a manner so as to decrease the force of repulsion between them. Nonetheless, the four orbitals do repel each other and get placed at the corners of a tetrahedron. CH₄ has a tetrahedral shape. The sp³ hybrid orbitals have a bond angle of 109.5^o.

Read More About Hybridization of Other Chemical Compounds

• Hybridization Of C2H2
• Hybridization Of SF6
• Hybridization Of NO3
• Hybridization Of CH4
• Hybridization Of Benzene

Chemical Bonding