Which of the following best describes the hybridization on the carbon atoms in benzene, C6H6?
Some are sp² hybridized and some are sp³ hybridized.
All are sp³ hybridized.
All are sp hybridized.
All are sp² hybridized.
Some are sp hybridized and some are sp² hybridized.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is: All are sp² hybridized.
Explanation:
Benzene (C₆H₆) is a well-known aromatic compound with a unique bonding structure. The molecule consists of six carbon atoms, each bonded to one hydrogen atom, forming a hexagonal ring structure. The hybridization of the carbon atoms in benzene is sp², and here’s why:
- Bonding and Geometry:
Each carbon atom in benzene forms three sigma (σ) bonds: two with adjacent carbon atoms and one with a hydrogen atom. To form three sigma bonds, a carbon atom needs three hybrid orbitals. These hybrid orbitals are sp², which means that each carbon atom undergoes the combination of one s orbital and two p orbitals to form three sp² hybrid orbitals. The remaining unhybridized p orbital, which is perpendicular to the plane of the molecule, overlaps with the p orbitals of adjacent carbon atoms, creating a delocalized π-bonding system. This delocalized electron cloud gives benzene its stability and aromaticity. - Planar Structure:
The sp² hybridization results in a trigonal planar geometry around each carbon atom. The bond angles between the sigma bonds in benzene are approximately 120°, which is consistent with sp² hybridization. This geometry allows for the planar structure of the benzene ring, where all carbon atoms lie in the same plane. - Aromaticity and Resonance:
The delocalization of electrons in the π-system, due to the overlap of the unhybridized p orbitals, is a crucial feature of benzene. This resonance stabilization, where the electrons are not fixed in specific bonds but are spread evenly across the ring, contributes to the compound’s aromatic nature.
Therefore, in benzene, all six carbon atoms are sp² hybridized, making the correct choice “All are sp² hybridized.”