How is an sp2 orbital formed?

An sp2 orbital is formed through the hybridization of one s orbital and two p orbitals. This process occurs when an atom undergoes hybridization to form new orbitals that have different shapes and energies than the original atomic orbitals.

In the case of sp2 hybridization, one s orbital and two p orbitals from the same atom combine to form three equivalent sp2 hybrid orbitals. These new orbitals have a trigonal planar geometry, with bond angles of approximately 120 degrees.

The formation of sp2 orbitals allows the atom to participate in bonding with other atoms in a way that maximizes the overlap of atomic orbitals and stabilizes the molecule. This type of hybridization is commonly seen in molecules with double bonds or in molecules with trigonal planar geometry, such as in the case of molecules like ethylene (C2H4) or boron trifluoride (BF3).

An sp2 orbital is formed by the hybridization of one s orbital and two p orbitals. The s orbital and one of the p orbitals overlap head-to-head, and the other p orbital overlaps laterally with the s-p hybrid orbitals. This results in three equivalent sp2 hybrid orbitals that are oriented in a trigonal planar geometry. The fourth orbital is a pure p orbital that is perpendicular to the plane of the sp2 orbitals.