How to find hybridization of carbon in organic compounds?

Another method: Count the number of regions of electron density around the carbon atom. 4 → sp³, 3 → sp², 2 → sp, 1 → sp (rare). Lone pairs also count as a region.

Example: In CH₄, carbon forms 4 single bonds → sp³. In ethene (C₂H₄), carbon forms a double bond and 2 single bonds → sp².

Hybridization of carbon depends on the number of sigma bonds and lone pairs around it. Use this rule: sp³ for 4 sigma bonds, sp² for 3 sigma bonds, sp for 2 sigma bonds.