How do you determine sp sp2 and sp3 orbitals?
1 Answer
Look at the number of valance electrons.
If there are 3 valance electrons it will be
If there are 4 valance electrons it will be
Explanation:
Paired electrons typically do not form chemical bonds. (Paired electrons do form intermolecular bonds)
So the paired s electrons gain a little energy to jump into open p orbitals in order to form chemical bonds. The gain in ethalpy is balanced by stability gained by forming chemical bonds.
In Aluminium
In Carbon
By hybridizing the 1 s and 3 p orbitals, Carbon can form 4 bonds. as in
So if there are only three valance electrons it is
If there are four valance electrons it is