Question

What is the hybridization on carbon (3)?

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

Answer 1

The correct option is B

$s{p}^2$

As we know that we can directly find out the hybridization state by using the formula:

Number of hybrid orbitals = Number of bonded atoms + Number of lone pairs

We can see from the figure that carbon is bonded to 2 carbon atoms and one oxygen atom.
This means that the number of bonded atoms = 3

We know that there are no lone pairs, so number of lone pairs = 0

Therefore, Hybrid orbitals = 3

So, we get $s{p}^2$ hybridised.