Numford
Hybridisation

Hybridisation of F₂

Each F atom is sp³ hybridised (hybridization by the VSEPR count): 1 sigma bond and 3 lone pairs give a linear shape.

FF
  • F

F₂Fluorine

Linear

Each F: 1 sigma bond, 3 lone pairs

i

Two atoms always lie on a line. Hybridisation of an atom in a two atom molecule is a count of its sigma bonds and lone pairs; many books do not ask it.

  • Hybridisationsp³
  • Polaritynon-polar
  • Bond order1

Why this shape

  1. Each F has 7 valence electrons. It uses one in one single bond to F, so six are left as three lone pairs.
  2. Steric number = one sigma bond + three lone pairs = 4, so each F is sp³ hybridised.
  3. Four electron pairs point to the corners of a tetrahedron (tetrahedral electron geometry). With only two atoms, the molecule itself is a straight line.
  4. Two atoms always lie on a straight line, so there is no bond angle.
  5. Both atoms are the same, so the bond is non-polar.

Lewis structure

14 valence electrons
FF

Formal charges: none

Molecular orbitals

18 electrons
1bond order
diamagnetic

(Nb − Na) / 2 = (10 − 8) / 2

1s1s2s2s2p2pσ1sσ*1sσ2sσ*2sσ2pzπ2pπ*2pσ*2pzF atomMoleculeF atomEnergy

σ1s² σ*1s² σ2s² σ*2s² σ2pz² (π2px² = π2py²) (π*2px² = π*2py²)

Working

Why this hybridisation and shape

  1. Each F has 7 valence electrons. It uses one in one single bond to F, so six are left as three lone pairs.
  2. Steric number = one sigma bond + three lone pairs = 4, so each F is sp³ hybridised.
  3. Four electron pairs point to the corners of a tetrahedron (tetrahedral electron geometry). With only two atoms, the molecule itself is a straight line.
  4. Two atoms always lie on a straight line, so there is no bond angle.
  5. Both atoms are the same, so the bond is non-polar.

Class 11, Chapter 4 Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure.

Questions

Hybridisation of F2: quick answers

What is the hybridisation of F2?

Each F has 7 valence electrons. It uses one in one single bond to F, so six are left as three lone pairs. Steric number = one sigma bond + three lone pairs = 4, so each F is sp³ hybridised.

What is the shape of F2 and its bond angle?

Linear. Four electron pairs point to the corners of a tetrahedron (tetrahedral electron geometry). With only two atoms, the molecule itself is a straight line. Two atoms always lie on a straight line, so there is no bond angle.

Is F2 polar or non-polar?

Non-polar. Both atoms are the same, so the bond is non-polar.

Try any molecule