Hybridisation Doubt: When Does it Take Place and When Not?

In summary, the conversation discusses the structure of BF3 and whether or not fluorine should also be hybridized. It is mentioned that hybridization is a mathematical concept that may not always accurately reflect the actual arrangement of orbitals in a molecule. It is also noted that whether or not fluorine is hybridized does not affect the overall shape of the molecule.
  • #1
Vatsal Goyal
51
6
There is an example given in my textbook showing the structure of BF3. In it, they have hybridised the orbitals of B to sp2, but not of F. It's written sp2-p overlapping. Why isn't flourine also hybridised, seeing it has 3 lone pairs and 1 bond pair, it could have sp3 hybridisation? Also, in general when does hybridisation take place and when does it not?
 
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  • #2
Vatsal Goyal said:
Why isn't flourine also hybridised, seeing it has 3 lone pairs and 1 bond pair, it could have sp3 hybridisation?

Would it change the final geometry of the molecule?
 
  • #3
No, I don't think it would. Is that somehow related to the answer?
 
  • #4
Then it doesn't matter.
 
  • #5
Borek said:
Then it doesn't matter.
I don't get it, how would the orbitals be arranged in fluorine then?
 
  • #6
It doesn't matter for the shape of the molecule - you can assume there is no hybridization and orbitals in fluorine are in their standard one s and three p arrangement.

Please remember hybridization is largely a mathematical concept that helps understand what is going on, but is only an approximation of reality.
 

1. What is hybridisation?

Hybridisation is a process in which two different species with similar genetic characteristics mate and produce offspring with a combination of traits from both parents.

2. When does hybridisation occur?

Hybridisation can occur when two species come into contact and are able to mate, which can happen for a variety of reasons such as habitat overlap, migration patterns, or human intervention.

3. When does hybridisation not occur?

Hybridisation does not occur when two species are genetically too different to produce viable offspring, or when they do not have the opportunity to mate due to physical barriers or differences in behavior.

4. How is hybridisation different from crossbreeding?

Hybridisation refers to the natural mating of two distinct species, while crossbreeding involves the deliberate breeding of two different varieties or breeds within the same species.

5. What are the potential impacts of hybridisation?

The impacts of hybridisation can vary depending on the species involved and the context in which it occurs. In some cases, hybridisation can lead to the creation of new species with unique characteristics. However, it can also result in the loss of genetic diversity and disruption of ecosystems. Additionally, hybridisation can sometimes lead to the spread of diseases or invasive species.

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