Question

How can I determine hybridization of central atoms?

Answer 1

We know that hybridization is the phenomenon of mixing of orbitals of the same atom with slight difference in energies so as to redistribute their energies and give new orbitals of equivalent energy and shape.

Complete step by step answer:
Let’s discuss the type of hybridization. Hybridization is of different types depending upon the nature and the number of orbitals taking part in the hybridization. If one s and three p orbitals are taking part, then the hybridization is $s{p^3}$. If one s and two p orbitals are taking part, then the hybridization is $s{p^2}$ and if one s and one p orbital is taking part, then the hybridization is sp.
Let’s discuss how to know the hybridization of a central atom.
1)First we have to look at the atom whose hybridization needs to be identified.
2)Second we have to count the number of atoms connected to it.
3)Then we have to count the number of lone pairs also.
4)After that we have to count the number of atoms and lone pairs.
5)If the count is 4, the hybridization of the atom is $s{p^3}$ , if the count is 3, the hybridization of the atom is $s{p^2}$ and if the count is 2 the hybridization of the atom is sp.

Note: It is to be noted that d orbitals also take part in hybridization such as they form $s{p^3}d,\,s{p^3}{d^2}$etc. There is a formula to calculate hybridization of an atom. The formula is as follows:
Hybridization=$\dfrac{1}{2}$(No. of valence e-+ No. of monovalent atoms –cationic charge + anionic charge)