How does hybridization affect bond length?

1 Answer
Al E.
Mar 4, 2018

As the orbitals in the bond have more #s# character, the bond length generally decreases. Consider propane and ethylyne,

puu.sh

The carbons in the latter molecule are #"sp"# hybridized, and the two p-orbitals that aren't being used that are aligned between the two carbons form two #pi# bonds to form that triple bond.

The carbons in the former are all #"sp"^3# hybridized, and each produces a #sigma# bond that is on average longer than the triple bond on the right.

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