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Ch.11 - Chemical Bonding II: Molecular Shapes, VSEPR & MO Theory
All textbooksTro 6th EditionCh.11 - Chemical Bonding II: Molecular Shapes, VSEPR & MO TheoryProblem 59
Chapter 11, Problem 59

Which hybridization scheme allows the formation of at least one p bond? sp3, sp2, sp3d2

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Identify the types of hybridization given: \( sp^3 \), \( sp^2 \), and \( sp^3d^2 \).
Recall that a \( \pi \) bond is formed by the sideways overlap of unhybridized p orbitals.
Understand that \( sp^3 \) hybridization involves the mixing of one s orbital and three p orbitals, resulting in four \( sp^3 \) hybrid orbitals with no unhybridized p orbitals left for \( \pi \) bonding.
Recognize that \( sp^2 \) hybridization involves the mixing of one s orbital and two p orbitals, leaving one unhybridized p orbital available for \( \pi \) bonding.
Note that \( sp^3d^2 \) hybridization involves the mixing of one s orbital, three p orbitals, and two d orbitals, which typically does not leave unhybridized p orbitals for \( \pi \) bonding.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Hybridization

Hybridization is a concept in chemistry that describes the mixing of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals. These hybrid orbitals can explain the geometry of molecular bonding. The most common types of hybridization include sp, sp2, and sp3, which correspond to different arrangements of electron pairs around a central atom.
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Sigma and Pi Bonds

In chemical bonding, a sigma (σ) bond is formed by the head-on overlap of orbitals, while a pi (π) bond is formed by the side-to-side overlap of p orbitals. Sigma bonds are the first bonds formed between two atoms, and pi bonds can only form in conjunction with sigma bonds, contributing to the double or triple bond character in molecules.
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Lewis Dot Structures: Sigma & Pi Bonds

Types of Hybridization

Different hybridization schemes correspond to different types of bonding and molecular geometries. For example, sp3 hybridization involves one s and three p orbitals, leading to single bonds only. In contrast, sp2 hybridization involves one s and two p orbitals, allowing for the formation of one pi bond alongside a sigma bond, which is essential for double bonds.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Write orbital diagrams (boxes with arrows in them) to represent the electron configurations—without hybridization—for all the atoms in SF2. Circle the electrons involved in bonding. Draw a three-dimensional sketch of the molecule and show orbital overlap. What bond angle do you expect from the unhybridized orbitals? How well does valence bond theory agree with the experimentally measured bond angle of 98.2° ?

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Textbook Question

Write orbital diagrams (boxes with arrows in them) to represent the electron configuration of carbon before and after sp3 hybridization.

Textbook Question

Write orbital diagrams (boxes with arrows in them) to represent the electron configurations of carbon before and after sp hybridization.

Textbook Question

Which hybridization scheme allows the central atom to form more than four bonds? sp3, sp3d, sp2

Textbook Question

Write a hybridization and bonding scheme for each molecule. Sketch the molecule, including overlapping orbitals, and label all bonds using the notation shown in Examples 11.6 and 11.7. a. CCl4

Textbook Question

Write a hybridization and bonding scheme for each molecule. Sketch the molecule, including overlapping orbitals, and label all bonds using the notation shown in Examples 11.6 and 11.7. b. NH3