MadSci Network: Chemistry
Query:

Re: How can the hybridization of linear molecules be determined?namely ClO-

Date: Sun Feb 6 13:42:10 2000
Posted By: Dan Berger, Faculty Chemistry/Science, Bluffton College
Area of science: Chemistry
ID: 946249258.Ch
Message:

Hybridization in linear molecules is determined the same way as for any other sort of molecule.

Specifically, any atom with exactly two "groups" (a group is a lone pair of electrons or a bond) is sp hybridized. An atom with three groups is sp2 hybridized; one with four groups is sp3 hybridized.

Five and six groups brings in the possibility of d-orbital hybridization, which is controversial.
For example:
  • Nitrogen atoms in N2 are sp hybridized, because each has one lone pair and one (triple) bond. The same holds for CO, carbon monoxide.
  • Oxygen atoms in O2 are sp2 hybridized, because each has two lone pairs and one (double) bond. The same is true for nitric oxide, NO.
  • Fluorine atoms in F2 are sp3 hybridized, because each has three lone pairs and one (single) bond. The same is true for hypochlorite, ClO-.

    Notice that in each example, a bond counts as just one "group," whether it's single, double or triple. Each lone pair of electrons counts as one group.

    In practice, all the molecules and ions cited are considered linear because that's the only possible geometry for two atoms! But lone pairs can have steric effects: consider BH3 and NH3. One's planar, one's pyramidal.

    Dan Berger
    Bluffton College
    http://cs.bluffton.edu/~berger



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