Question

The type of hybridisation of boron in diborane is :

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

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$s{p}^3$

Boron has three valence electrons, so it is supposed to make 3 bonds in a molecule with hybridization, $s{p}^2$ as only s and two p orbitals are used in hybridization and last p orbitalis vacant.

But diborane, $B_2{H}_6$ contains two electrons each, three centred bonds. Each Boron atom is in a link with four hydrogen atoms. This makes tetrahedral geometry.

Hence, each Boron atom is $s{p}^3$ - hybridized.

The correct option is C.