Hybridized Carbon Atoms

The s & p atomic orbitals of a carbon atom are shown on the right. To illustrate hybridization states, three carbon atoms are displayed below as dark gray spheres. Approximations of sp3, sp2 & sp-hybridized orbitals will be drawn in rapid sequence by clicking the top button for the designated atom. Any remaining p-orbitals will be shown by clicking the appropriate button. The major phase regions of the hybrid orbitals are colored light green, the minor phase is not shown. The p-orbital phases are colored red & blue, or purple & yellow if there is more than one. Finally, small molecules incorporating the hybridized carbon may be displayed, with and without the orbitals.

  
  

A sp3-Hybridized Carbon

  

A sp2-Hybridized Carbon

  

A sp-Hybridized Carbon

 Show Four sp3-Hybridized Orbitals   on/off
 Show Methane Molecule
 Show Spacefilled Model   on/off
  
 Show Three sp2-Hybridized Orbitals   on/off
 Show p-Orbital
 Show Ethene Molecule
 Show all Carbon Orbitals   on/off
  
 Show Two sp-Hybridized Orbitals   on/off
 Show p-Orbitals
 Show Ethyne Molecule
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