Question

What is the hybrid state of carbon in ethyne, graphite and diamond?

• A. ${\text{sp}}^2,sp,{sp}^3$
• B. $\text{sp},{sp}^2,{sp}^3$
• C. ${\text{sp}}^3,{sp}^2,sp$
• D. ${\text{sp}}^2,{sp}^3,sp$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$\text{sp},{sp}^2,{sp}^3$

In ethyne, $H-C\equiv C-H$; $C$ is $sp$ hybridized. In graphite, one $C$ atom is attached to 3 other $C$ atoms which are ${\text{sp}}^2$ hybridized. In diamond, one $C$ atom is attached to 4 other $C$ atoms which are ${\text{sp}}^2$ hybridized.