VBT - Geometry vs. Hybridization (Coordination Number 4)

Shape Configurations:

$$\begin{aligned} sp^3 &\implies \text{Tetrahedral} \\ dsp^2 &\implies \text{Square Planar} \end{aligned}$$

Concept: Maps the spatial geometric structure of four-coordinate complexes directly to the specific hybrid orbital mixing state of the central metal atom or ion.

Notation:

• $$sp^3$$ = Tetrahedral spatial configuration;
• $$dsp^2$$ = Square planar spatial configuration.