Question

Which of the compounds given below contains more than one kind of hybridization $(s{p}^2,s{p}^3)$ for carbon?

• A. $C{H}_3-C{H}_2-C{H}_2-C{H}_3$
• B. $C{H}_3-CH=CH-C{H}_3$
• C. $C{H}_2=CH-CH=C{H}_2$
• D. $H-C\equiv C-H$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $C{H}_3-CH=CH-C{H}_3$

In option A, all the carbon atoms are $s{p}^3$ hybridized, as they contain four sigma bonds each.

In option B, the first and fourth carbon atoms are $s{p}^3$ hybridized as they contain four sigma bonds, whereas, the second & third carbon atoms are $s{p}^2$ hybridized as they contain three sigma bonds.

In option C, all the carbon atoms are $s{p}^2$ hybridized as they all contain only three sigma bonds each.

In option D, both the carbon atoms are $sp$ hybridized as they contain two sigma bonds each.

Therefore, option (B) is the only carbon chain that contains more than one kind of hybridization, so it is the correct answer.