Question

Why is there not an $s{p^4}$ hybrid orbital?

Answer 1

The orbital is the region where there is a probability of finding an electron. There are different orbitals like s, p, d and f orbitals. s-orbital can accommodate two electrons and p-orbital can accommodate six electrons. p-orbital has three degenerate orbitals and can form hybrid orbitals up to ${p^3}$.

Complete answer:
Electrons are the negatively charged subatomic particles present in every atom. Electrons will be present outside the nucleus. The region where there is a probability of finding an electron can be known as an orbital.
An atomic orbital is a mathematical function that describes the location and behaviour of an electron in an atom. Thus, an orbital describes the position of an electron.
There are different orbitals like s, p, d, and f orbitals. Each orbital can accommodate electrons depending upon their capability.
s-orbital can accommodate only two electrons. p-orbital can accommodate six electrons. d-orbital can accommodate ten electrons and f-orbital can accommodate fourteen electrons.
The degeneracy of p-orbital is $3$, the degenerate orbitals of p-orbital were ${p_x},{p_y}$ and ${p_z}$ orbitals. Thus, a p-orbital can form a hybrid orbital up to ${p^3}$.
The degenerate orbitals of p-orbital were ${p_x},{p_y}$ and ${p_z}$ orbitals. The degeneracy won’t extend further than $s{p^3}$. Thus, there is not an $s{p^4}$ hybrid orbital.

Note:
The degeneracy is an important factor while calculating the hybrid orbitals formed by mixing the two atomic orbitals like s, p, d, and f orbitals. Thus, the number of degenerate orbitals must be calculated to know whether the combination of atomic orbitals like $s{p^4}$ is possible or not.