Question

Explain the hybridization of the central atom in ${\mathrm{CH}}_4$.

Answer 1

Hybridization of ${\mathrm{CH}}_4$:

• Electronic configuration of $\mathrm{C}$: $1{\mathrm{s}}^2,2{\mathrm{s}}^2,2{\mathrm{p}}^2$
• The valence electrons are as:
• The excited state of valence electrons are:
• Each hydrogen atom gets bonded with the unpaired electrons of the carbon atoms.
• The orbitals participating in bonding are: $2{\mathrm{s}}^1,2{\mathrm{p}}_{\mathrm{x}}^1,2{\mathrm{p}}_{\mathrm{y}}^1,2{\mathrm{p}}_{\mathrm{z}}^1$.
• Thus, hybridization of $\mathrm{C}$ in ${\mathrm{CH}}_4$is ${\mathrm{sp}}^3$.
• So, The structure of ${\mathrm{CH}}_4$ will be tetrahedral with a bond angle of $109.5°$.