McMurry (kap.1,10)

Question 1

what decides the hybridization of N bonds?

Answer 1

The bond angles in NH4 is approximately the same as in methane (tetrahedral), which makes us conclude that it may be four SP3 orbitals, that are talked about.

Three of the sp3 orbitals bound to other atom, and one sp3 orbital is filled with 2 electrons (one electron pair, lonepair).

Question 2

What decides the hybridization of oxygen?

Answer 2

Because of the approximate tetrahedral angle, it can be classified as an SP3 orbital.

Two of the sp3 orbitals bound to other atoms, and two of the sp3 orbitals are filled with lonepairs.

Question 3

What decides the hybridization of phosphorus?

Answer 3

Because of the bond angle, it implies a SP3 orbital hybridization.

There are SP3 orbitals. P binds to 5 other atoms. (see methyl phosphate as the simplest form of phosphate molecule).

Question 4

What decides the hybridization of sulfur?

Answer 4

SP3 hybridization - although a slight deviation from the tetrahedral angle (109,5).

Two of the orbitals are filled with lonepairs.