What is a sp2 and sp3 hybridized bond?

1 Answer
Evan Holbrook
Nov 18, 2017

They are hybridizations involving 3 and 4 sigma bonds, respectfully.

Explanation:

An sp2 hybridization is when an atom (say, carbon in #C_2H_4#) has 3 sigma bonds, since pi bonds don't hybridize. Carbon's sigma bonds are the two C-H bonds and the 1 C-C bond in its double bond with carbon.

An sp3 hybridization follows the same concept, except there are four sigma bonds instead of 3, like carbon's hybridization in #CH_4#.

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