According to valence bond theory, which of the following molecules involves sp² hybridization of orbitals on the central atom?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In order to determine the hybridization of orbitals on the central atom, we need to first identify the steric number, which is the number of atoms bonded to the central atom plus the number of lone pairs of electrons on the central atom. For molecule A, C₂H₂, the steric number of C is 4 (two S atoms and two H atoms), so it can have sp3 hybridization. For molecule B, C₂H₄, the steric number of C is 5 (one S atom, two H atoms, and two B atoms), so it can have sp3d hybridization. For molecule C, C₂H₆, the steric number of C is 6 (two S atoms, two H atoms, and two B atoms), so it can have sp3d2 hybridization. For molecule D, CO₂, the steric number of C is 2 (one O atom), so it can have sp hybridization. For molecule E, H₂O, the steric number of O is 2 (one H atom), so it can have sp hybridization. Therefore, the only molecule that involves sp3d hybridization on the central atom is choice B, C₂H₄, where C is the central atom.

According to Valence Bond Theory, Which of the Following Molecules