[jennielynn_1980]

Q:
a) how would you designate the hybrid orbitals formed by "mixing" one d, one s, and two p orbitals?

b) how many of the hybrid orbitals would be formed by the mixing?

My Answers:

a) dsp²
b)4

First of all, is this correct?  Secondly, what would this look like?  I have pics in my textbook of mixed sp orbitals where it is a small oval shape inside a larger one to depict this type of hybrid.  I am having trouble visualizing the process.  Also, to get the # of hybrid orbitals, do you add up the pure orbitals involved?  For example, if you mix s and p orbitals to get an sp then there are 2 hybrids.

Thanks

[Yggdrasil]

Correct.

If you mix the s, p_x, p_y, and d_xy orbitals, you get four dsp² orbitals in a square planar configuration.  If you add two hybrid orbitals formed by mixing the p_z and d_z^2 orbitals, you get an octahedral configuration (overall d²sp³).

[jennielynn_1980]

Thanks