What is the hybridization of carbon atoms in benzene?

Practice Questions

Q1
What is the hybridization of carbon atoms in benzene?
  1. sp
  2. sp2
  3. sp3
  4. dsp2

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

What is the hybridization of carbon atoms in benzene?
  • Step 1: Understand that benzene is a chemical compound made up of six carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms.
  • Step 2: Each carbon atom in benzene is bonded to two other carbon atoms and one hydrogen atom.
  • Step 3: Recognize that carbon has four valence electrons and can form four bonds.
  • Step 4: In benzene, each carbon atom uses three of its four valence electrons to form bonds with two neighboring carbon atoms and one hydrogen atom.
  • Step 5: The remaining valence electron on each carbon atom is involved in a delocalized pi bond with the other carbon atoms, creating a ring structure.
  • Step 6: To form these bonds, the carbon atoms undergo hybridization, which is the mixing of atomic orbitals.
  • Step 7: In benzene, the carbon atoms hybridize to form three sp2 hybrid orbitals.
  • Step 8: The sp2 hybridization results in a planar structure with bond angles of 120 degrees between the carbon-carbon bonds.
No concepts available.
Soulshift Feedback ×

On a scale of 0–10, how likely are you to recommend The Soulshift Academy?

Not likely Very likely