Question

The change in hybridisation of carbon in the reaction: $Acetamide+P_2{O}_5\to C{H}_{3}CN$, is:

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

Answer 1

The correct option is D $s{p}^2$ to $sp$

Acetamide $\left(C{H}_{3}CON{H}_2\right)$ contains an amide group $(-CON{H}_2)$ in which a carbon atom is attached to an oxygen atom by a double bond. Hence, this carbon atom is $s{p}^2$ hybridised.
Acetonitrile $\left(C{H}_{3}CN\right)$ contains a nitrle group $(-CN)$ in which the carbon atom is attached to a nitrogen atom by a triple bond. Hence, this carbon atom is $sp$ hybridised.
Thus, during conversion of acetamide to acetonitrile, the hybridisation of the carbon atom changes from $s{p}^2$ to $sp$.