Question

The hybridisation state of carbon in the carbocation C6H5CH2

+

is :

(a) Sp (b) Sp2

(c) Sp3

(d) Sp or Sp2​

Answer 1

Answer:

B) Sp2

Explanation:

For a carbocation to be formed, the carbon atom must lose one electron. Thus the carbon atom has three bonded pair of electrons and no lone electrons. In CH+3CH3+, for example, the carbon has only three sigma bonds. Thus it is sp  2

 sp2hybridized. Since the fourth pair of electrons is nonexistent, it is impossible to be sp 3

sp3 hybridized.

Answer 2

Option B is the correct answer.

• Hybridization is defined as mixing atomic orbitals and forming them into a new hybrid orbital. Generally, redistribution of energy takes place in the process of hybridization.
• Hybridization of an element is given by the formula,

=> Hybridization = ( Group number + negative charge - positive charge + number of monovalent atoms)/2. ( Monovalent atoms imply elements with charge 1 like Hydrogen, Chlorine, Fluorine, etc).

• The carbocation in C6H5CH2+ is CH2$^{+}$. The hybridization of CH2$^{+}$ can be found using the above formula.
• Hybridization of Carbon in CH2+ = (Group number of C + total monovalent atoms - positive charge + surrounding atoms)/2.
• CH3 has a hybridization of sp3 CH2+ undergoes removal of electron hence a bond between C and H will be removed and a positive charge is also formed on the carbon indicating as a carbocation.
• So, after removal, the hybridization of the carbocation will be sp2.

Therefore, the hybridization state of carbon in the carbocation of C6H5CH2+ is SP2. (Option B is the correct answer).