Orbital Hybridisation: Myth or Misconception?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around the concept of orbital hybridization in chemistry, specifically questioning its validity and the visual representation of electron orbitals. Participants emphasize that orbital hybridization accurately describes the behavior of electrons as probability clouds rather than fixed circular paths. The conversation critiques the oversimplified depiction of orbitals, arguing that while the visual representation may seem confusing, it does not invalidate the underlying statistical principles. There is a consensus that despite initial doubts, the theory of hybrid orbitals, such as those formed from s and p orbitals, is supported by research and should not be dismissed as mere hand-waving. The dialogue invites further clarification on specific questions regarding the theory.
RK7
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Is it basically wrong? It just seems like hand-waving...
 
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What do you mean?

afaik, orbital hybridisation is pretty much how it works. You got a space of probability where you can find an electron or set of electrons. The electron(s) in question is/are essentially everywhere in that cloud at once. It's like a probability cloud.

All that stuff about neat, circular orbitals is what's wrong.
 
anisotropic said:
What do you mean?

afaik, orbital hybridisation is pretty much how it works. You got a space of probability where you can find an electron or set of electrons. The electron(s) in question is/are essentially everywhere in that cloud at once. It's like a probability cloud.

All that stuff about neat, circular orbitals is what's wrong.

I'm talking about an s orbital and 3 p orbitals nicely combining to make nice convenient orbitals which happen to point outwards tetrahedrally. I don't see how that works.
 
I haven't done orbital hybridisation in ages, but my guess is the orbitals are based on pure statistical math. Just because it doesn't make sense visually on first glance, doesn't mean it's wrong. Besides, most research likely supports the theory.

That being said, just looking at an s and 3 p orbitals, I can see how the resultant hybrid orbitals exist as they do.

Can anyone else chime in here?
 
RK7 said:
Is it basically wrong? It just seems like hand-waving...

No it's not wrong. Besides that, what precisely is your question?
 

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