Visualization of Orbitals (12) ― Carbon sp³, sp² and sp Hybrid Orbitals

Abstract

Mathematical expressions of carbon sp³, sp² and sp hybrid orbitals were visualized by various techniques such as orbital picture, real 3-dimensional probability density picture in a glass block, and isosurface representation. Orbital picture and probability density picture were especially useful for recognizing equivalency and directional characteristics of the chemical bonds. Isosurface representation uniquely showed the difference of s or p characters between these three hybrid orbitals.