Hybridization: sp, sp2, sp3 (and sp3d, sp3d2 intro)
Chemical Bonding (Basics) · Chemistry
Study notes
Determine the hybridisation of carbon in CH₄, C₂H₄ and C₂H₂. CH₄: steric number 4 (4 σ bonds) → sp³, tetrahedral 109.5°. C₂H₄: each C has 3 σ (2 C–H + 1 C–C) → sp², trigonal planar 120°; leftover p forms π. C₂H₂: each C has 2 σ (1 C–H + 1 C–C) → sp, linear 180°; two leftover p's form 2 π. Rule: steric number = σ bonds + lone pairs → sp^(SN−1).