sp hybridization

sp hybridization

This type of hybridization involves the mixing of one s and one p orbital resulting  in the formation of two equivalent sp hybrid orbitals. The suitable orbitals for sp hybridization are s and pz, if the hybrid orbitals are to lie along the z-axis. Each sp hybrid orbitals has 50% s-character and 50% p-character. Such a molecule in which the central atom is sp-hybridized and linked directly to two other central atoms possesses liner geometry. This type of hybridization is also known as diagonal hybridization.

The tow sp hybrids point in the opposite direction along the z-axis with projecting positive lobes and very small negative lobes, which provides more effective overlapping resulting in the formation of stronger bonds.

Example of molecule having sp hybridization

BeCl₂: The ground state electronic configuration of Be is 1s²2s². In the exited state one of the 2s-electrons is promoted to vacant 2p orbital to account for its divalency. One 2s and one 2p-orbitals get hybridized to form two sp hybridized orbitals. These two sp hybrid orbitals are oriented in opposite direction forming an angle of 180. Each of the sp hybridized orbital overlaps with the 2p-orbital of chlorine axially and form two Be-Cl sigma bonds. This is shown below figure.