Question

How to calculate or figure out the hybridization state, i.e. sp³ or sp², etc?

Explain in detail with some examples.

Answer 1

Hybridization of a molecule or ion can be predicted by making use of the following formula:

Number of Hybrid orbitals (H) = ½ (No. of valence electrons of the central atom + No. of monovalent atoms surrounding the central atom - Charge on cation + Charge on anion)

Hybridization of a compound can be predicted using following relations:

2 = sp

3 = sp²

4 = sp³

5 = sp³d

6 = sp³d²

7 = sp³d³

For example,

BeF₂: H=½ [2 + 2 -0 + 0] = 2; Hybridization = sp

CH₄: H = ½ [4 + 4 – 0 +0] =4; Hybridization = sp³

BF₃: H= ½ [3 + 3 -0 + 0] = 3; Hybridization = sp²

SF₆: H= ½ [6+ 6 - 0 + 0] = 6; Hybridization = sp³d²

PCl₅: H= ½ [5+5 – 0 + 0] = 5; Hybridization = sp³d

NH₄⁺: H= ½ [ 5+ 4 – 1 +0] = 4; Hybridization = sp³

CO₃^2-: H=½ [4+ 0 -0 +2] = 3; Hybridization = sp²

NO₃^-: H= ½ [5 + 0 -0+1] =3; Hybridization = sp²

The above formula cannot be used for predicting the hybridization state of any complex ion.