Question

In the reaction:

$C{H}_{3}CN\underset{heat}{\overset{H_3{O}^{+}}{\to }}C{H}_{3}COOH$
The hybridization state of the functional carbon changes from:

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

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$sp$ to $s{p}^2$

When acetonitrile is heated in an acidic medium, acetic acid is obtained.
The $C$ atom in acetonitrile is $sp$ hybridized.
The carbon atom in acetic acid is $s{p}^2$ hybridized.
Hence, during the reaction, the hybridization changes from $sp$ to $s{p}^2$.