Understanding Hybridization in Central Atoms: NH3, SO2, and NH4+

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the hybridization of central atoms in the molecules NH3, SO2, and NH4+. Participants explore the reasoning behind the hybridization states and the implications of valence electrons in determining these states.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that NH3, SO2, and NH4+ all have hybridization sp3.
  • Another participant challenges this claim, stating it is incorrect.
  • A participant references external information suggesting that SO2 is sp2, questioning the reasoning behind this classification based on sulfur's valence electrons.
  • Another participant adds that SO2 forms two sigma bonds and two pi bonds with oxygen, leading to a sp2 hybridization, while also noting a lone pair on sulfur.
  • A participant reiterates their confusion about SO2's hybridization, suggesting that sulfur has four hybridized orbitals based on its valence electrons.
  • One participant confirms that NH3 and NH4+ are indeed sp3 hybridized, acknowledging the previous contributions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the hybridization of SO2, with conflicting views on whether it is sp2 or sp3. There is agreement on the hybridization of NH3 and NH4+ as sp3.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the application of Lewis structures and the interpretation of valence electrons in determining hybridization states.

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both NH3 and SO2 and NH4+ have hybridization sp3
 
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UnD3R0aTh said:
both NH3 and SO2 and NH4+ have hybridization sp3

That is incorrect.
 
i just googled i found out that so2 is sp2, but why?! S has 6 valence elctrons two engage in sigma bond with two oxygens, and remains two pairs of electrons which means 4 hybridized orbitals SP3!
 
In addition to the two sigma bonds, two pi bonds are formed with the oxygens, and a lone pair is left on the sulfur, so it is hybridized sp2.
 
UnD3R0aTh said:
i just googled i found out that so2 is sp2, but why?! S has 6 valence elctrons two engage in sigma bond with two oxygens, and remains two pairs of electrons which means 4 hybridized orbitals SP3!

Try to draw a Lewis dot structure. There are no two pairs.
 
yes u are right it's NH3 and NH4+ because both are sp3, thx
 

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