Identify the hybridization of the central atom in C2H4.

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Question: Identify the hybridization of the central atom in C2H4.

Options:

Correct Answer: sp2

Solution:

The central carbon atoms in C2H4 are sp2 hybridized, forming a double bond between them.

Identify the hybridization of the central atom in C2H4.

Identify the hybridization of the central atom in C2H4.

Step 1: Identify the central atoms in C2H4. The central atoms are the two carbon (C) atoms.
Step 2: Count the number of bonds each carbon atom forms. In C2H4, each carbon atom forms three bonds: two with hydrogen (H) atoms and one with the other carbon atom.
Step 3: Determine the number of regions of electron density around each carbon atom. Each carbon has three regions of electron density (two single bonds with H and one double bond with the other C).
Step 4: Use the regions of electron density to find the hybridization. Three regions of electron density correspond to sp2 hybridization.
Step 5: Conclude that the central carbon atoms in C2H4 are sp2 hybridized.

Hybridization – The concept of hybridization involves the mixing of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals that can accommodate bonding in molecules.
Molecular Geometry – Understanding the geometry of molecules based on hybridization helps predict the shape and bond angles.
Double Bonds – Recognizing that double bonds involve one sigma and one pi bond, which influences the hybridization of the involved atoms.