Hybridization Theory

When an atom hybridizes, it will restructure its original set of s and p atomic orbitals into a new set of hybrid orbitals. This process of restructuring is known as hybridization. The process of hybridization is driven by the needs of the atoms to produce specific geometric patterns.

At the most basic level, atoms in most covalent systems will try to obtain one of three possible geometric shapes. These shapes a linear geometry, trigonal planar geometry, and tetrahedral geometry. For more details about these individual shapes, look over the information in the web pages about molecular geometry.

Considering the three basic shapes that most atoms use, the following hybridization processes will occur.

• For linear geometry, an atom will produce two hybrid orbitals. These two orbitals will be arranged in a straight line, or in a linear fashion, with the orbitals pointing away from the nucleus of the atom.
• For trigonal planar geometry, an atom will produce three hybrid orbitals. The set of three will point to the corners of a triangle, with the nucleus of the atom located at the center of the triangle.
• For tetrahedral geometry, an atom will produce a set of four hybrid orbitals. The four orbitals will point to the corners of a tetrahedron with the nucleus of the atom at the center of the tetrahedron.