Question

What is the change in hybridization of oxygen atom associated with carbon in the zone of reduction?

• A. It changes from sp to $s{p}^2$
• B. It changes from $s{p}^2$ to sp
• C. It changes from $s{p}^2$ to $s{p}^3$
• D. No change

Answer 1

The correct option is A

It changes from sp to $s{p}^2$

‘O’ in ‘CO’ is ‘sp’ hybridized because one of the lone pairs in oxygen is donated to carbon whereas in $C{O}_2$ both the lone pairs on oxygen remain intact without participating in bonding thus ‘O’ in ${}^{\prime }C{O}_2^{\prime }$ are $s{p}^2$ hybridized.

$F{e}_2{O}_3+3CO\to 2Fe+3C{O}_2$