Intermediate Topic 171 of 1102 Bonding & Molecular Structure
sp Hybridization
One s and one p orbital form two linear hybrids, as in ethyne.
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In-depth explanation of sp Hybridization
sp hybridization mixes one s orbital and one p orbital to make two equivalent linear hybrids pointing 180 degrees apart. The two remaining p orbitals on the central atom are perpendicular to each other and to the molecular axis, and they form two pi bonds. Each sp hybrid has 50 percent s character, which directs the bonds along a line and makes them relatively short. Linear molecules with triple bonds or cumulated double bonds are described this way. This hybridization occurs in alkynes, nitriles and carbon dioxide.
Going deeper: sp Hybridization
Key ideas: Applies to steric number 2: carbon in alkynes, nitriles, CO2, allene central carbon and Be in BeCl2. C-triple-C is 120 pm, C-H on an alkyne is 106 pm. 50 percent s character makes terminal alkynes acidic (pKa near 25) so NaNH2 deprotonates them. The two remaining p orbitals give two orthogonal pi bonds.
Common mistakes and connections: Common errors include saying sp hybridization yields bond angle other than 180 degrees, mixing up the number of pi bonds (two for triple), and forgetting that allenes have perpendicular pi systems. Links to alkynes, linear shapes, acidity trends and cyanide chemistry.
Visualization of sp Hybridization
Carbon in CO2 is sp hybridized: two sp hybrids give linear sigma bonds, and two leftover p orbitals form pi bonds with each oxygen. The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.
Worked example and use case
The two carbon atoms in acetylene, C2H2, are sp hybridized and joined by one sigma bond and two pi bonds.
Frequently asked questions about sp Hybridization
What is sp Hybridization?
One s and one p orbital form two linear hybrids, as in ethyne.
Is sp Hybridization a beginner, intermediate or advanced topic?
sp Hybridization is a intermediate topic in Bonding & Molecular Structure. It builds on the vocabulary of beginner topics in this area.
What should I learn before sp Hybridization?
Study these earlier topics in Bonding & Molecular Structure first: Hybridization, sp3 Hybridization, sp2 Hybridization.
What comes after sp Hybridization?
The next topics in Bonding & Molecular Structure are sp3d and sp3d2 Hybridization and Hybridization of Water and Ammonia.
Can I practise sp Hybridization with quizzes?
Yes. The interactive lesson includes a self-check question on sp Hybridization, and the Bonding & Molecular Structure quiz draws on every topic in this area.
Where sp Hybridization fits in Bonding & Molecular Structure
sp Hybridization is topic 56 of 104 in Bonding & Molecular Structure.