Trick/shortcut to find hybridization of an atom in compound

A Shortcut For Determining The Hybridization Of An Atom In A Molecule

Here’s a shortcut for how to determine the hybridization of an atom in a molecule. This will save you a lot of time.

Here’s what you do:

1. Look at the atom.
2. Count the number of atoms connected to it (atoms – not bonds!)
3. Count the number of lone pairs attached to it.
4. Add these two numbers together.

• If it’s 4, your atom is sp3.
• If it’s 3, your atom is sp2.
• If it’s 2, your atom is sp. 

(If it’s 1, it’s probably hydrogen!)

This works in at least 95% of the cases you will see in Org 1.

Watch following Lecture for explanation of exampled