Which hybridization best characterizes the atom involved in a C2H4 molecule? sp b. a. sp? C. sp3 d. 4 sp
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer for the hybridization that best characterizes the carbon atoms in a C₂H₄ molecule (ethylene) is a. sp².
Explanation:
C₂H₄, or ethylene, is an important organic compound that consists of two carbon (C) atoms and four hydrogen (H) atoms. In this molecule, each carbon atom forms three sigma (σ) bonds: two with hydrogen atoms and one with the other carbon atom. To understand the hybridization of the carbon atoms in C₂H₄, we need to consider the bonding and geometry around each carbon atom.
- Valence Electrons: Each carbon atom has four valence electrons. In ethylene, each carbon is bonded to two hydrogen atoms and one other carbon atom. This leads to a total of three bonding regions (the two C-H bonds and the C-C bond) and no lone pairs.
- Hybridization Process: To form these bonds, the carbon atoms undergo hybridization. Since each carbon is involved in three bonding regions, we can determine the hybridization type:
- sp hybridization occurs when there are two bonding regions (linear geometry).
- sp² hybridization occurs when there are three bonding regions (trigonal planar geometry).
- sp³ hybridization occurs when there are four bonding regions (tetrahedral geometry).
- Geometry: The geometry around each carbon in C₂H₄ is trigonal planar, with bond angles of approximately 120 degrees. This is characteristic of sp² hybridization, where one s orbital and two p orbitals combine to form three sp² hybrid orbitals. These orbitals are oriented 120 degrees apart in a plane, allowing for the formation of σ bonds with hydrogen and the other carbon atom.
- Double Bond Formation: Additionally, the C=C double bond in ethylene consists of one σ bond (formed by overlapping sp² orbitals) and one π bond (formed by the side-on overlap of the unhybridized p orbitals from each carbon).
In summary, due to the presence of three bonding regions and the trigonal planar geometry around each carbon atom, the hybridization of the carbon atoms in C₂H₄ is best described as sp².