What is the Difference Between sp3d2 and d2sp3 Hybridization?

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The difference between sp3d2 and d2sp3 hybridization lies in the atomic orbitals involved and the electron shells they belong to. Both sp3d2 and d2sp3 hybridization result in octahedral geometry and have 90° angles between hybrid orbitals, with six hybrid orbitals in total. Here are the main differences between the two:

  • sp3d2 hybridization: This hybridization involves the mixing of s, p, and d atomic orbitals of the same electron shell to form sp3d2 hybrid orbitals. One s atomic orbital, three p atomic orbitals, and two d atomic orbitals combine to form six hybrid orbitals.
  • d2sp3 hybridization: In this hybridization, the central atom uses one s orbital, two p orbitals, and three d orbitals to form six hybrid orbitals. The d orbitals involved in d2sp3 hybridization are from different electron shells.

In summary, sp3d2 hybridization involves atomic orbitals of the same electron shell, while d2sp3 hybridization involves atomic orbitals from different electron shells.

Comparative Table: sp3d2 vs d2sp3 Hybridization

Here is a table comparing the differences between sp3d2 and d2sp3 hybridization:

Property sp3d2 Hybridization d2sp3 Hybridization
Orbitals Involved Involves atomic orbitals of the same electron shell (1s, 3p, and 1d) Involves atomic orbitals of two different electron shells (2s, 3p, and 1d or 1s, 3d, and 1p)
Order of Orbital Involvement s orbital is involved first d orbital is involved first
Geometry Octahedral Octahedral
Angle Between Hybrid Orbitals 90° 90°
Number of Hybrid Orbitals 6 6

Both sp3d2 and d2sp3 hybridization result in octahedral geometry, have 90° angles between hybrid orbitals, and produce six hybrid orbitals. The main difference between the two is the involvement of atomic orbitals and the order in which they are involved.