Question

Identify the possible molecule shapes that could result from each of the hybrid orbitals given. Check all that apply.

sp2-orbitals
bent
tetrahedral
trigonal planar
sp3-orbitals

bent

tetrahedral

trigonal bipyramidal

Answer 1

sp2-orbitals: bent — yes; trigonal planar — yes; tetrahedral — no.
(sp2 = 3 electron domains → trigonal planar electron geometry; with one lone pair it gives a bent molecular shape.)

sp3-orbitals: bent — yes; tetrahedral — yes; trigonal bipyramidal — no.
(sp3 = 4 electron domains → tetrahedral electron geometry; with 1 or 2 lone pairs this gives trigonal pyramidal or bent molecular shapes.)