Which atomic orbitals overlap to form the carbon-hydrogen $\sigma$ bonding molecular orbitals of ethyne, HC$\equiv$CH? A)C2p + H1s B)C2sp + H1s C)C2sp² + H1s D)C2sp³ + H1s

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In ethyne, the carbon atoms use sp hybrid orbitals to form the triple bond. This leaves the unhybridized p orbitals available to form pi bonds with other atoms. However, the sigma bond between the carbon and hydrogen atoms is formed by the overlap of the carbon sp orbital with the hydrogen 1s orbital. Therefore, choice B is the correct option.

Which Atomic Orbitals Overlap to Form the Carbon-Hydrogen σ\sigmaσ Bonding Molecular Orbitals of Ethyne, HC

Which Atomic Orbitals Overlap to Form the Carbon-Hydrogen $\sigma$ Bonding Molecular Orbitals of Ethyne, HC