What is the Difference Between sp sp2 and sp3?

The main difference between sp, sp2, and sp3 hybridization lies in the orbitals involved and the percentage of s and p characteristics. Here's a breakdown of the differences:

1. sp hybridization: This is the simplest form of hybridization, involving the mixing of one s orbital and one p orbital. sp hybridized atoms have 50% s characteristics and 50% p characteristics. An example of a molecule with sp hybridization is hydrogen chloride (HCl).
2. sp2 hybridization: In this type of hybridization, one s orbital overlaps with two p orbitals. sp2 hybridized atoms have 33% s characteristics and 66% p characteristics. Examples of molecules with sp2 hybridization include boron trichloride (BCl3) and ethylene (C2H4).
3. sp3 hybridization: This is the most common form of hybridization, involving the mixing of one s orbital and three p orbitals. sp3 hybridized atoms have 25% s characteristics and 75% p characteristics. Examples of molecules with sp3 hybridization include methane (CH4) and ethane (C2H6).

In general, the steric number of an atom determines its hybridization. The steric number is the number of atoms bonded to the atom in question, plus any lone pairs of electrons. For example, if an atom has a steric number of 2, it is considered to be sp hybridized; a steric number of 3 indicates sp2 hybridization; and a steric number of 4 signifies sp3 hybridization.

Comparative Table: sp sp2 vs sp3

The main differences between sp, sp2, and sp3 hybridization are the number of atomic orbitals involved in the mixing process and the resulting orbital characteristics. Here is a comparison of the three types of hybridization:

• sp hybridization occurs when one s orbital and three p orbitals mix, resulting in four sp hybrid orbitals. The hybrid orbitals have 50% s orbital characteristics and 50% p orbital characteristics. This hybridization is linear in shape and is typically found in compounds like methyl chloride (CH3Cl).

• sp2 hybridization involves the mixing of one s orbital and two p orbitals, resulting in three sp2 hybrid orbitals. The hybrid orbitals have 33% s orbital characteristics and 67% p orbital characteristics. This hybridization is trigonal planar in shape and is found in compounds like ethylene (C2H4).

• sp3 hybridization is the mixing of one s orbital and three p orbitals, resulting in four sp3 hybrid orbitals. The hybrid orbitals have 25% s orbital characteristics and 75% p orbital characteristics. This hybridization is tetrahedral in shape and is found in compounds like ethane (C2H6) and methane (CH4).