How does hybridization affect shape?

1 Answer
anor277
Apr 21, 2018

I would say "hybridization" defines shape...

Explanation:

Electron pairs, bonding or non-bonding, arrange themselves around an atom such that interaction between the electron pairs, bonding and non-bonding, is MINIMIZED. And the geometries that minimize such interactions depend on the number of electron pairs...and assume the shapes of the Platonic solids:

"2 electron pair, linear; 3 electron pairs, tetrahedral; 4 electron"
"pairs";" 5 electron pairs, trigonal bipyramidal;"
"6 electron pairs, octahedral."

And this is the basis of "VESPER".."valence shell electron pair repulsion theory", with which you will get very familiar.

But NOTE that we describe molecular geometry on the basis of ATOMS, NOT ELECTRON PAIRS. Water has 2 single O-H bonds, and TWO LONE PAIRS....while electronic geometry is tetrahedral, molecular general is BENT: /_H-O-H=104-5^@..

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