Orbital hybridization Historical development
In the case of simple hybridization, this approximation is based on atomic orbitals. In heavier atoms, like carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, the atomic orbitals involved in bonding are the 2s and 2p orbitals. These orbitals can be occupied in a hydrogen atom, but only when the electron is in an excited state. Hybrid orbitals are assumed to be mixtures of these atomic orbitals, superimposed on each other in various proportions. It provides a quantum mechanical insight to Lewis structures. Chemists use hybridization theory mainly in organic chemistry.