What does sp2 orbital mean?

1 Answer
Roger P. · Stefan V.
Nov 2, 2016

#sp^2# is a hybrid of one #s# orbital and 2 #p# orbitals

Explanation:

#sp^2# orbitals are found in alkenes and each is a mixture of one #s# orbital and two #p# orbitals, which gives three #sp^2# orbitals.

They therefore have one-third #s# character and two-thirds #p# character. They all lie in the same plane and they form sigma bonds.

![http://www.mhhe.com/physsci/chemistry/carey5e/Ch02/ch2-3-2.html](useruploads.socratic.org)

There will be one other p orbital not included in the hybridisation - this will form the pi-bond in an alkene.

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