Question
Question: The correct order regarding the electronegativity of hybrid orbitals of carbon is: A. \(sp < s{p^2...
The correct order regarding the electronegativity of hybrid orbitals of carbon is:
A. sp<sp2<sp3
B. sp>sp2<sp3
C. sp>sp2>sp3
D. sp<sp2>sp3
Solution
The correct order regarding the electronegativity of hybrid orbitals depends on the percentage s character. As s orbital is nearer to the nucleus so, the nuclear force of attraction increases which results in the increase of electronegativity tendency.
Complete step by step answer:
The reason behind this order of electronegativity is the amount of s-orbital character in these different hybrid orbitals. As the s-orbital character increases the electron attracting tendency increases, which means electronegativity increases.
In sp3 hybrid orbital there are one s and three p-orbitals .So the overall percentage of s-orbital character is 25%.In sp2 hybrid orbital there are one s and two p-orbitals .So overall the percentage of s-orbital character is 33.3%.While in in sp hybrid orbital there is only one s and one p-orbital Hence the overall percentage of the s-orbital character is 50%.
So observing the trend of the s-orbital character in different hybrid orbitals we can conclude that the electron attracting tendency increases assp>sp2>sp3. This means the correct trend of hybrid orbitals of carbon regarding electronegativity issp>sp2>sp3.
Hence, the correct option is (C).
Note:
Thus, the correct order regarding the electronegativity of hybrid orbitals of carbon issp>sp2>sp3. The electronegativity i.e. electron attracting tendency of the hybrid orbitals of carbon is based on the amount of s-character. The s-character in different hybrid orbitals of carbon follow the trend sp>sp2>sp3 i.e. 50%>33.3%>25%.. So, the carbon atom which is sp hybridised is the most electronegative whereas the carbon atom which is sp3hybridised is the least electronegative.