Chapter 9, Problem 29QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The hybridization of Si in ${\text{SiH}}_{\text{4}}$ and ${\text{H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{Si-SiH}}_{\text{3}}$ is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Hybridization is the combining of atomic orbitals to form hybrid orbitals.

To determine the hybridization of an atom, first draw the Lewis structure of the molecule.

Find the number of electron domains around an atom so as to get the number of hybrid orbitals used by the atom for bonding.

When atomic orbitals combine, they form equal number of hybrid orbitals.

The s orbital combines with one, two, or three p orbitals to form $\text{sp,}{\text{sp}}^{\text{2}},\text{or}{\text{sp}}^{\text{3}}$ hybrid orbitals, respectively.