Hybrid Orbitals: Differentiating SP3, SP2, SP

[crays]

Hi, I'm wondering how can i differentiate when the molecule is an SP³, SP² or SP hybrid orbitals? Like for example C₂H₂ and C₂H₄. What can i do in order for me to know?

 

[Borek]

It is not molecule, it is an atom that is hybrydized.

You may try to look at saturation. All bonds single - sp³, one double - sp², one triple - sp.

 

[crays]

Thanks. But i mean how do i know if it forms sp3 or sp2 ? for C can have sp3 or sp2 or even sp :O.

 

[Borek]

As I told you - check saturation. If molecule doesn't have unsaturated bonds, all carbons are sp³. For unsaturated bonds you need sp² or sp.

 

[Ygggdrasil]

The first step would be to draw the Lewis structure of the molecule, then check saturation as Borek has been saying.