Question

what is the hybridization of the central atom in structure p? input as a single \text\ typed word.
format: for example, sp3 is typed in as sp3 with no spaces and no caps.

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate the steric number

The formula for the steric number is \(SN=\text{number of bonding pairs}+\text{number of lone pairs}\). For the central \(N\) atom in structure \(p\), the number of bonding pairs is \(2\) (one \(N - O\) single bond and one \(N=O\) double bond. In terms of electron - group geometry, a double bond is counted as one group). The number of lone pairs on \(N\) is \(0\). So, \(SN = 2+0=2\).

Step2: Determine the hybridization

The relationship between steric number (\(SN\)) and hybridization is as follows:

• If \(SN = 2\), the hybridization is \(sp\)
• If \(SN=3\), the hybridization is \(sp^{2}\)
• If \(SN = 4\), the hybridization is \(sp^{3}\)
• If \(SN=5\), the hybridization is \(sp^{3}d\)
• If \(SN = 6\), the hybridization is \(sp^{3}d^{2}\)

Since \(SN = 2\) for the central \(N\) atom in structure \(p\), the hybridization is \(sp\).

Answer:

sp