Definition of Hybridization

Hybridization happens when atomic orbitals mix to form new atomic orbitals. The new orbitals have the same total electron capacity as the old ones. The properties and energies of the new, hybridized orbitals are an 'average' of the original unhybridized orbitals.

The concept of hybridization was introduced because it was the best explanation for the fact that all of the C - H bonds in molecules like methane were identical.

Example

Carbon atoms naturally have electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p².

The four outermost electrons, i.e. those in the 2s and 2p sublevels are available to form chemical bonds with other atoms.

The 2s orbital is capable of holding up to two electrons, and there are three 2p orbitals, each capable of holding up to two electrons, which means the 2p orbitals can hold up to six electrons.

Individually, these electron orbitals look something like this. (Each is centered on carbon's nucleus and the p orbitals make angles of 90° with one another.)

The 2s orbital and the three 2p orbitals hybridize to form a new hybrid orbital, called sp³, which is capable of holding up to eight electrons.

The sp³ hybrid orbital, which is the sum of the original 2s and 2p orbitals, looks something like this:

sp³ hybrid orbitals have a tetrahedral shape - each orbital makes an angle of 109.5° with the others. This angle maximizes the distance between the orbitals, which is natural given that the electrons in each orbital repel one another.

The shape of molecules like methane, CH₄, with bond angles of 109.5°, is consistent with sp³ hybridization of carbon atoms.

Here is an energy level diagram showing how electron energies change in hybridization.