Question

A Lewis electron structure of a molecule is shown.

mc024-1.jpg

Judging by the electron domain geometry, which type of hybrid orbitals does this molecule have?
s
sp

Answer 1

I can’t see the image — please either re-upload it or describe the Lewis structure (central atom, number of bonded atoms, and number of lone pairs on the central atom).

How to tell hybridization from electron-domain geometry (quick rules):
- 2 electron domains (linear) → sp
- 3 electron domains (trigonal planar) → sp2
- 4 electron domains (tetrahedral) → sp3
- 5 electron domains (trigonal bipyramidal) → sp3d
- 6 electron domains (octahedral) → sp3d2

Count each bond (single, double, or triple all count as one electron domain) and each lone pair on the central atom to get the total electron domains, then use the mapping above. If you tell me the counts I’ll give the hybridization.