Question

What hybridization schemes is it possible for a silicon atom in a molecule to have?

Answer 1

The position of Silicon is below carbon in periodic table. Like carbon it forms sp³ hybridization. In silicon 3s and 3p orbitals are the participating orbitals in sp³ hybridization.

Due to the relatively large size of the silicon atoms as compared to carbon and also because of more diffused 3p orbital, the sideways p-orbital overlap is very weak. Thus it is not prone to form sp² hybridization.

Therefore, the predominant form hybridization mode of silicon is sp³.