Which are the hybrid orbitals of the carbon atoms in the following molecules? (a) H3C-CH3 sp sp2 sp3 (b) H3C-CH═CH2 sp sp2 sp3 (c) CH3-C≡C-CH2OH sp sp2 sp3 (d) CH3CH═O sp sp2 sp3

(a) sp³ sp³

H₃C - CH₃

(b) sp³ sp²

H₃C - CH = CH₂

sp²

(c) sp³ sp

H₃C - C ≡ C - CH₂OH

sp sp³

(d) sp³ sp²

H₃C - CH=O

Explanation:

Alkanes or the carbons with all the single bonds are sp³ hybridized.

Alkenes or the carbons with double bond (s) are sp² hybridized.

Alkynes or the carbons with triple bond are sp hybridized.

Considering:

(a) H₃C-CH₃, Both the carbons are bonded by single bond so both the carbons are sp³ hybridized.

Hence,

sp³ sp³

H₃C - CH₃

(b) H₃C-CH=CH₂, The carbon of the methyl group is sp³ hybridized as it is boned via single bonds. The rest 2 carbons are sp² hybridized because they are bonded by double bond.

Hence,

sp³ sp²

H₃C - CH = CH₂

sp²

(c) H₃C-C≡C-CH₂OH, The carbons of the methyl group and alcoholic group are sp³ hybridized as it is boned via single bonds. The rest 2 carbons are sp hybridized because they are bonded by triple bond.

Hence,

sp³ sp

H₃C - C ≡ C - CH₂OH

sp sp³

(d) CH₃CH=O, The carbon of the methyl group is sp³ hybridized as it is boned via single bonds. The other carbon is sp² hybridized because it is bonded by double bond to oxygen.

Hence,

sp³ sp²

H₃C - CH=O