Question

Which is more stable ${\mathrm{sp}}^2\mathrm{or}{\mathrm{sp}}^3$?

Answer 1

1. Hybridization is defined as the formation of hybrid orbitals by intermixing of atomic orbitals of different shapes, nearly having the same energy.
2. They possess equal energy and so there is minimum repulsion present between these hybrid orbitals.
3. There are different types of hybridization and they are as follows: $\mathrm{sp},{\mathrm{sp}}^2\mathrm{and}{\mathrm{sp}}^3$.
4. $\mathrm{sp}$ is formed by intermixing of one s orbital and one p orbital to form new atomic orbitals.
5. Examples:${\mathrm{BeF}}_2,{\mathrm{BeH}}_2,\mathrm{etc}$
6. All the triple bonded Carbon-Carbon atoms also come in this category.
7. ${\mathrm{sp}}^2$ is formed by intermixing of one s orbital and two p orbitals to form new atomic orbitals.
8. Examples: ${\mathrm{BF}}_3,{\mathrm{BH}}_3,\mathrm{etc}.$
9. All the double-bonded Carbon-Carbon atoms also come in this category.
10. ${\mathrm{sp}}^3$ is formed by intermixing of one s orbital and p orbital to form new atomic orbitals.
11. Examples: Methane, Ethane ,etc.
12. In the ${\mathrm{sp}}^3$hybridized orbitals the electrons are far away from the nucleus and so the internuclear charge decreases this causes this orbital to be less stable than ${\mathrm{sp}}^2$.This is because the stability is greater when the electrons are close to the nucleus.