Question

The four ${sp}^3$ hybrid orbitals of carbons in alkanes are directed towards the corner of a:

• A. regular tetrahedron
• B. equilateral triangle
• C. regular octahedron
• D. square

Answer 1

The correct option is A regular tetrahedron

The four $s{p}^3$ hybrid orbitals of carbons in alkanes are directed towards the corner of a regular tetrahedron. The shape of the molecule is tetrahedral. Edges of a regular tetrahedron are separated by an angle of ${109}^0{28}^{\prime }$ and so are $s{p}^3$ orbitals.