Question

What is the hybridization of the carbon atom labelled 2?

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

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$sp$

It is $sp$ hybrid because the labelled 2 carbon has $C-C$ triple bond, and it has 2 sigma bonds, and zero lone pairs, hence, it has $sp$ hybridization.

Two sp hybridized orbitals:

The chemical bonding in compounds such as alkynes with triple bonds is explained by $sp$ hybridization. In this model, the 2s orbital is mixed with only one of the three p orbitals.

Hence, option $A$ is correct.