Question

What is the hybridization of the carbon atom labeled 4?

• A. $sp$
• B. $s{p}^2$
• C. $s{p}^3$
• D. None of the above
  

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$s{p}^2$

It is $sp2$ hybrid because this has $3-\sigma$ bonds. hence , 3 hybrid orbitals , so $s{p}^2$ hybrid.

Three $sp2$ orbitals.
For this molecule, carbon $sp2$ hybridises, because one $\pi$ bond is required for the double bond between the carbons and only three $\sigma$ bonds are formed per carbon atom. In $sp2$ hybridisation the 2s orbital is mixed with only two of the three available 2p orbitals.