Question

Match the following types of hybridisation with the correct angle of orientation between its hybrid orbitals.

• A. 180${}^{\circ }$
• B. 120${}^{\circ }$
• C. 109.5${}^{\circ }$

Answer 1

$\bullet$ In $s{p}^3$ hybridisation, one s and three p orbitals combine to form four $s{p}^3$ hybrid orbitals. These hybrid orbitals must be at the maximum distance from each other to minimise repulsions. This is only possible when they are at an angle of ${109.5}^o$ from each other.

$\bullet$ Similarly, one s and two p orbitals combine to form two $s{p}^2$ hybridised orbitals, which are at an angle of ${180}^o$ from each other to minimise the repulsions.

$\bullet$ In sp hybridisation, one s and one p orbital combine to form two $sp$ hybridised orbitals which are oriented at an angle of ${120}^o$ from each other.