Hybridization:
Atoms can make bonds with each other through sharing unpaired electrons like that each bond consists of two electrons. In earlier we recognized that a carbon atom has two unpaired electrons and so we would suppose carbon to form two bonds. Though, carbon forms four bonds! How does a carbon atom form four bonds along with only two unpaired electrons?
Thus far, we have explained the electronic con?guration of an isolated carbon atom. Though, while a carbon atom forms bonds and is part of a molecular structure, it can 'mix' the s and p orbitals of its 2nd shell (the valence shell). This is termed as hybridization and it permits carbon to form the four bonds that we observe in reality.
There are three ways where this mixing process can occur.
? The 2s orbital is mixed along with all three 2p orbitals. This is termed as sp3 hybridization;
? The 2s orbital is mixed along with two of the 2p orbitals. This is termed as sp2 Hybridization;
? The 2s orbital is mixed with one of the 2p orbitals. This is termed as sp Hybridization.