Question

Each carbon in carbon suboxide is:

• A. $s{p}^2$ - hybridized
• B. $s{p}^3$ - hybridized
• C. $sp$ - hybridized
• D. $s{p}^2$ - hybridized but linked with one co-ordinate bond

Answer 1

The correct option is C $sp$ - hybridized

Each carbon atom in carbon suboxide $\left(C_3{O}_2\right)$ is sp - hybridized. If carbon is bonded with a double bond from both sides, then the carbon is said to have undergone $sp$ hybridization.

The structure is $O=C=C=C=O$.
sp sp sp