Linus Pauling introduced the concept of hybridization in order to provide a simple and effective explanation for the characteristic geometrical shapes of polyatomic molecules. Hybridization is a process in which atomic orbitals combine to create a set of new hybrid orbitals. This involves the blending or mixing of individual atomic orbitals, resulting in a combination with characteristics distinct from the original orbitals.
This concept has been instrumental in understanding and predicting the structures of various molecules, such as CH4 (methane), NH3 (ammonia), H2O (water), and many others. It helps bridge the gap between theoretical quantum mechanics and experimental observations, making it easier to comprehend the arrangement of atoms in complex molecules. Let’s discuss how the concept of hybridization arose:
Observation of Molecular Geometry:
Molecular Orbital Theory:
Valence Bond Theory and Hybridization:
Hybrid Orbitals:
Features and Characteristics of hybrid orbitals:
Percentage of s, p, d characters in various hybridized orbitals:
Let’s understand What are the different types of hybridization in detail:
(Session 2025 - 26)