Question

what bonds might form in a carbon atom with sp2 hybrid orbitals?
a. four single bonds
b. a double bond and two single bonds
c. a triple bond and a double bond
d. a triple bond and a single bond

Explanation:

When a carbon atom has \(sp^{2}\) hybrid orbitals, it has three \(sp^{2}\) hybrid orbitals and one un - hybridized \(p\) orbital. The three \(sp^{2}\) hybrid orbitals can form three \(\sigma\) bonds (either single bonds or one part of a double bond). The un - hybridized \(p\) orbital can form a \(\pi\) bond (the second part of a double bond). So, a carbon atom with \(sp^{2}\) hybrid orbitals can form a double bond (one \(\sigma\) and one \(\pi\) bond) and two single bonds (each single bond is a \(\sigma\) bond).

Answer:

B. a double bond and two single bonds