Question

Identify the molecule in which carbon atom is ${\text{sp}}^2$ hybridised.

• A. Methane
• B. Ethane
• C. Ethyne
• D. Ethene

Answer 1

The correct option is D Ethene

$\bullet$ ${\text{sp}}^2$ hybridisation is observed when one s and three p orbitals of the same atom intermix to form three orbitals with identical properties like shape and energy. The newly formed orbitlas are called ${\text{sp}}^3$ hybrid orbitals.

$\bullet$ An ethene molecule $(C{H}_2=C{H}_2)$ contains two ${\text{sp}}^2$ hybridised carbon atoms with a double bond between them.

The given table shows the molecular formula and hybridisation of carbon atom present in the compound.
$$\begin{array}{ccc}Compound& MolecularFormula& HybridisationofCatom\\ Ethane& C{H}_3-C{H}_3& s{p}^3\\ Ethyne& CH\equiv CH& sp\\ Ethene& C{H}_2=C{H}_2& s{p}^2\\ Methane& C{H}_4& s{p}^3\end{array}$$Hence, each carbon atom undergoes ${\text{sp}}^2$ hybridisation in the formation of ethene molecule.