9.5. Hybridization and Molecular Orbitals http://www.ck12.org
FIGURE 9.26
The process of sp hybridization involves the mixing of an s orbital with a single p orbital (conventionally the px
orbital), to form a set of two sp hybrids. The two lobes of the sp hybrids point in opposite directions to produce a
linear molecule.
Hybridization in Molecules with Double or Triple Bonds
The hybridization model helps explain molecules with double or triple bonds. Consider the ethene molecule (C 2 H 4 ),
which contains a double covalent bond between the two carbon atoms and single bonds between the carbon atoms
and the hydrogen atoms. The entire molecule is planar.