Question

question 31 (1 point)
which molecule has a central atom that is ( sp^{3} ) hybridized?
a) ( c_{2}h_{4} )
b) ( h_{2}co )
c) ( c_{2}h_{2} )
d) ( h_{2}s )
e) ( c_{2}h_{2}cl_{2} )

Explanation:

• For \(C_2H_4\), each carbon atom has \(sp^2\) hybridization (3 regions of electron density around each carbon).
• For \(H_2CO\), the carbon atom has \(sp^2\) hybridization (3 regions of electron density: 2 single bonds to \(H\) and 1 double bond to \(O\)).
• For \(C_2H_2\), each carbon atom has \(sp\) hybridization (2 regions of electron density around each carbon).
• For \(H_2S\), the sulfur atom has \(sp^3\) hybridization. The sulfur atom has 2 bonding pairs (with \(H\) atoms) and 2 lone pairs, so the number of electron - pair domains \(= 2 + 2=4\). According to the VSEPR theory, when the number of electron - pair domains \(n = 4\), the hybridization is \(sp^3\).
• For \(C_2H_2Cl_2\), each carbon atom has \(sp^2\) hybridization (3 regions of electron density around each carbon).

Answer:

d) \(H_2S\)