Chemical Bonding: Hybridization and Molecular Geometry

This lecture introduces the concept of hybridization in chemical bonding, explaining how covalent bonds are formed through the overlap of atomic orbitals. Starting with the valence bond theory, the instructor covers the formation of bonds at the orbital level, the ground state configuration of carbon, and the hybridization of orbitals to form stable hydrocarbons like methane. The lecture also explores the sp2 and sp hybridization states, the geometry of molecules, and the delocalization of electrons in molecules like benzene. Additionally, it delves into the resonance phenomenon and the importance of hybridization in determining molecular geometry and bond properties.