Question

Identify the hybridization of 1 - carbon atom of the carboxylic acid.

• A. $s{p}^2$
• B. $s{p}^3$
• C. $sp$
• D. $s{p}^{3}d$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $s{p}^2$

Steric Number = Number of atoms bonded to atom + Number of lone pairs attached to the atom.

If the steric number is 2, the atom is $sp$

If the steric number is 3, the atom is $s{p}^2$

If the steric number is 4, the atom is $s{p}^3$

For carboxylic acid, $R-COOH$ two oxygen atoms and R group are bonded to the carbonyl carbon. There are no lone pairs attached to the carbonyl carbon.

$\therefore$ Steric number $=3$ (No. of atoms bonded to carbonyl carbon) $+0$ (No. of lone pairs bonded to carbonyl carbon) $=3$

Therefore, the carbon atom is $s{p}^2$ hybridized.