Question

What is the hybridization of ${\mathrm{NO}}_2$ and how?

Answer 1

Hybridization of Nitrogen dioxide ${\mathrm{NO}}_2$:

• In ${\mathrm{NO}}_2$, around the nitrogen atom, there are two sigma bonds and one unshared electron.
• As per the hybridization rule, the sum of the number of sigma bonds and lone pairs/odd electrons in a nitrogen atom determines the hybridization and is equal to three in the case of ${\mathrm{NO}}_2$ .
• Thus, the hybridization of ${\mathrm{NO}}_2$ is ${\mathrm{sp}}^2$.