The number of sp² hybrid orbitals on the carbon atom in CO₃^2- is A)one. B)two. C)three. D)four.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In CO₃^2-, the carbon atom is bonded to one sulfur atom, one oxygen atom, and two other carbon atoms. Each bond utilizes one hybrid orbital on the carbon atom. Therefore, the total number of hybrid orbitals utilized is 4. However, one of these hybrid orbitals is an sp hybrid orbital that is used for bonding with the oxygen atom. The remaining three hybrid orbitals are sp2 hybrids that are used for bonding with the sulfur and carbon atoms. Therefore, the number of sp² hybrid orbitals on the carbon atom is 3.

The Number of Sp2 Hybrid Orbitals on the Carbon Atom

The Number of Sp² Hybrid Orbitals on the Carbon Atom