Question

In buckyball, each atom is:

• A. $s{p}^2$ hybridized element with extensive de-localized molecular orbital
• B. $s{p}^2$ hybridized element with localized molecular orbital
• C. $s{p}^3$ hybridized element with de-localized molecular orbital
• D. $s{p}^3$ hybridized element with localized molecular orbital

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$s{p}^2$ hybridized element with extensive de-localized molecular orbital

Buckyball is stable, but not totally unreactive. The $s{p}^2$-hybridized carbon element with extensive de-localized molecular orbitals that result will be stabilized, which are at their energy minimum in planar graphite, must be bent to form the closed sphere or tube, which produces angle strain.

A is the correct answer.