The species in which the central atom uses sp2 hybrid orbitals in its bonding is (1988 - 1 Mark)a)PH3b)NH3c)CH3+d)SbH3Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

(c) From amongst given species PH3, NH3 and SbH3 are all sp3 hybridised. Their central atom has both bond pair as well as lone pair of electrons. The lone pair occupy the fourth orbital. CH3+ has only three pairs of electrons so it is sp2 hybridised.

Answer

From amongst given species PH₃, NH₃and SbH₃ are all sp³ hybridised. Their central atom has both bond pair as well as lone pair of electrons. The lone pair occupy the fourth orbital. CH₃⁺ has only three pairs of electrons so it is sp²hybridised.

Answer

Explanation:

To understand why the correct answer is option 'C' (CH3), let's first review the concept of hybridization.

Hybridization is the mixing of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals that are suitable for bonding. In this process, the total number of hybrid orbitals formed is equal to the number of atomic orbitals that were mixed. The type of hybrid orbitals formed depends on the types of atomic orbitals being mixed.

In the case of sp2 hybridization, one s orbital and two p orbitals are mixed to form three sp2 hybrid orbitals. These hybrid orbitals are arranged in a trigonal planar geometry, with bond angles of approximately 120 degrees.

Now, let's consider the options given in the question:

a) PH3:
Phosphorus (P) has 5 valence electrons, and when it forms bonds in PH3, it requires 3 hybrid orbitals. However, the hybridization of the central atom in PH3 is sp3, not sp2. Therefore, option 'a' is incorrect.

b) NH3:
Nitrogen (N) has 5 valence electrons, and when it forms bonds in NH3, it requires 3 hybrid orbitals. Similar to PH3, the hybridization of the central atom in NH3 is also sp3, not sp2. Therefore, option 'b' is incorrect.

c) CH3:
Carbon (C) has 4 valence electrons, and when it forms bonds in CH3, it requires 3 hybrid orbitals. The hybridization of the central atom in CH3 is sp2, which matches the given condition. Therefore, option 'c' is the correct answer.

d) SbH3:
Antimony (Sb) has 5 valence electrons, and when it forms bonds in SbH3, it requires 3 hybrid orbitals. However, the hybridization of the central atom in SbH3 is sp3, not sp2. Therefore, option 'd' is incorrect.

In summary, the correct answer is option 'C' (CH3) because the central atom in CH3 exhibits sp2 hybridization in its bonding.

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