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If P pure orbitals are used in forming the C-H bonds in CH₄ angle of 90° would be expected The observed angles are 109° each. What concept might be useful in explaining the observed angles?

If P pure orbitals are used in forming the C-H bonds in CH₄ angle of 90° would be expected The observed angles are 109° each. What concept might be useful in explaining the observed angles?

Explanation
  • In CH₄ (methane), the observed bond angles are 109.5°, which cannot be explained by pure p orbitals (which would give 90° angles).
  • The concept of sp³ hybridization explains the tetrahedral geometry and 109.5° bond angles.