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AAT Bioquest

What is the difference between sp, sp2, and sp3 hybridization?

Posted February 22, 2024


Answer

Basis of differentiation

Sp hybridization

Sp2 hybridization

Sp3 hybridization

Definition

Is the hybridization between an s and p orbital

Is the hybridization between one s orbital and two p orbitals

Is the hybridization between one s orbital and 3 p orbitals

Percentage of s character

S characteristic is 50%

S characteristic is 33%

S characteristic is 25%

Percentage of p character

P characteristic is 50%

P characteristic is 66%

P characteristic is 75%

Geometry of orbital arrangement

Linear

Trigonal planar

Tetrahedral

Angle between orbitals 

180°

120° 

109.5°

Unhybridized p orbitals

Two unhybridized p orbitals

One unhybridized p orbital

Does not have any unhybridized p orbitals

Additional resources

Hybrid Atomic Orbitals

Nucleus

ReadiUse™ Tyramide (TSA)/Styramide (PSA) Optimized Reaction Buffer