Orbital Hybridization

Watch atomic orbitals mix into hybrid orbitals. See how s and p orbitals form sp, sp², and sp³ hybrids.

Methane

CH₄

sp³Tetrahedral
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The Molecule

Methane (CH₄) is the simplest organic molecule. Carbon forms four equivalent bonds to hydrogen atoms. But how does carbon, with only 2 unpaired electrons in its ground state, form 4 bonds?

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About This Molecule

Methane (CH₄)

Hybridization: sp³ · Geometry: Tetrahedral · Bond angle: 109.5°

Central atom: C (Z=6)

Hybridization Reference

TypeGeometryAngleExample
sp³Tetrahedral109.5°CH₄
sp²Trigonal Planar120°C₂H₄
spLinear180°CO₂